There are few occasions when a text so striking comes into our possession, demanding nothing less than a thorough inspection. The Emperor’s Mirror: The State of Research in India is precisely such a work—an intellectual investigation of no minor consequence. The author,
Dr. N Bhaskara Rao, dissects the research mechanisms within India’s evolving socio-political landscape. The result is a book that does not merely describe the state of research but offers a map of its successes and vulnerabilities.
Rao suggests that research institutions must serve as society’s third eye, much akin to the discerning gaze of an observant detective capable of uncovering the inconvenient truths beneath the surface of the ordinary. He emphasizes that research rarely stands alone. Instead, it is a tool employed by diverse groups—government bodies, corporate entities, non-profits, and the media—to achieve varying objectives. Governments may use research to reinforce their authority, while corporations might employ it to shape consumer behaviour and perceptions. In contrast, NGOs and independent institutes leverage research to advocate reforms, influence policies, or shed light on underexplored socio-economic conditions.