ABSTRACT
India, as the images of the ‘Incredible India’ media campaign insist, is a kaleidoscope of colourful traditions and stunning heritage. Boundless forms of religion and spirituality as well as arts and crafts thrive here. However, with its steel magnates as well as expertise in telecommunications, information and bio-technology, India today is poised to claim global leadership in technological services. By all accounts, India is racing ahead on a path to modern development with its attendant thrust towards a global homogeneity. How are these two opposing images of tradition and innovation reconciled on the ground? In this chapter I look at the paradoxical urbanism of India to reflect on the place of heritage in India’s modernity.
