India, March 22 -- This remarkable memoir, and history of India after Independence, by one of India's most distinguished public intellectuals, begins with his memories, at the age of three, of the assassination of his paternal grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. From this poignant opening note, the book expands into numerous encounters with personalities, both Indian and foreign, "eminent" and little-known, and original insights into key events and turning points in the history of modern India....