If this piece was a personal opinion, then of course Mr Srinivasan has every right to express it. But if it was meant as an analysis, it was very poorly researched. 1- North India and South India are doing equally well (or badly!) In North India the exception are the BiMaRU states and in the south there is the naxal belt, Telangana & Rayalaseema which rank poorly in terms of the usual development indices. 2- If it was a lack of continual warfare that has enabled the south to leap ahead in development terms, why did the same thing not happen with the north east? After all, the Renaissance period in Europe which saw the flowering of many arts and sciences, is also replete with warfare among the city states. 3- It is unpatriotic to blame the Mohammedan influence for the lack of development in the north. The author would do well to remember that Islam has had some good influence on India's culture and adds to our diversity.
