On Humans What About India? Part II: Success and Stagnation In the World’s Largest Democracy ~ Bishnupriya Gupta
Feb 24, 2025
Bishnupriya Gupta, a professor of economics and author, delves into India's post-colonial journey. The discussion highlights the deep-seated legacy of British colonialism and its impact on modern education and economic structures. Gupta contrasts India's economic progress with East Asian nations, uncovering the successes and challenges of its democracy. Key topics include the role of historical educational policies and the divergence in economic strategies between India and countries like South Korea. Insights into inequality and future expectations further enrich this compelling narrative.
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Colonial Education Favored Elites
- British colonial education focused mainly on higher education benefiting already literate upper castes like Brahmins and traders.
- This led to a highly productive service sector but reinforced social and economic inequalities in India.
Japanese Investment Raised Literacy
- Japanese colonial policy emphasized primary education and agricultural productivity to support their imperial interests.
- This resulted in higher literacy rates in East Asian colonies at independence compared to India.
Education Fueled Social Mobility
- East Asia's civil service exam system created a culture of social mobility through education, unlike caste-based literacy in India.
- This cultural difference helped embed broad-based literacy and human capital in East Asia, aiding development.
