For all its chaos, bureaucracy and occasional violence, India has had a remarkably successful past few years. How it will cope with an economic downturn...

Also in this special report:

The democracy tax is rising - Indian politics is becoming ever more  labyrinthine.

Stormclouds gathering - What the world recession will do to India's economy.

The world is rocky - But computer-services firms are in good shape to survive the financial crisis.

Creaking, groaning - Infrastructure is India's biggest handicap.

Where invisible threads fray - A litany of trouble spots.

India elsewhere - An awkward neighbour in a troublesome neighbourhood.

Ruled by Lakshmi - Though inequalities are widening, India's best prescription remains continued rapid growth.