By the estimates of the Indian government, the Indian diaspora numbers some 20 million people living in virtually every region in the world. This volume presents an encyclopedic look at the "lived experience" of the diaspora. General editor Lal (Pacific and Asian history, Australian National U.) arranges the 76 signed articles thematically, with opening sections devoted to the historical context of India, migration patterns and experiences from the Age of Merchants to the Age of Globalization, Indian government relations with the diaspora, cultural life in the diaspora, and literary productions from the diaspora. The remaining articles, occupying some five eighths of the text, focus in more detail on particular national communities, with every region of the world represented. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less