UNDER THE MAGIC SPELL OF THE HINDU MIDDLE CLASS 87 an alternative to counter Partha Chatter jee's formulation that neatly divides the inner world (of spirituality, and culture), while rejecting the outer sphere (science, technology and materialism). Prakash argues that the inner and uncolonised tradition arose in the outer arena of public health and medical science, which made its emergence subversive. The last three chapters take focus on the inter-related aspects of technology, Indian 'modernity5 and nationalism, where the past was located as an important site. A major feature that comes out in Another Reason is the complex and multi-faceted nature of science in a colonial society. It should be read by all those who are interested in Indian history, not withstanding its problems. One of the major themes that comes out is the complex and multi-faceted nature of science in a colonial society. It comes at a time when the boundaries and horizons of research on South Asia have expanded very significantly, inspite of the retreat of the author and some members of his 'collective', to the world of the middle class — especially of the 'hybrid5 Hindu variety. Biswamoy Pati Ratan Tata Fellow, Asia Research Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London