As a public intellectual and chronicler of modern India, Ramachandra Guha has observed and written about a wide range of events and philosophies that have shaped the country. He has authored a number of books, including the widely acclaimed India After Gandhi. 

In this interview with Abhinandan Sekhri, Guha talks about the evolution of democracy across the world and how it has come under threat in India since 2014. Reflecting on the past decades, he draws parallels between the current political landscape and the 1970s, and says the economic situation was sound during the coalition years. On Independent India’s early years, he maintains that Nehru’s pluralistic philosophy strengthened inclusivity despite the Partition, but that many of his economic policies were flawed.