Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the nature of neoliberalism, and the state of the Indian economy in the aftermath of the 2008 global economic crisis. It focuses on a specific issue that is, in many ways, a manifestation of neoliberal capitalism: the continuing agrarian crisis and farmers' suicides. The book examines from a theoretical standpoint that places the Indian economy in its global context, arguing that the agrarian crisis is not merely agrarian. It also focuses on the commodification of one aspect of education, i.e. preparation for entrance exams for civil services and for professional—especially technical—education. The book describes the nature of the craze for civil services and for technical education, and how this is connected to the class character of the Indian economy and polity.