> Was referring to urban ills rather than antiquated modes of transportation.
I don't know if you are being sarcastic, or you are misinterpreting what I said.
>> Yes, it does get worse than Chennai. Bullock cart might be the fastest vehicle in your village, but that isn't a compliment for the cart or the village. I don't see how Chennai, the fastest bullock cart in India, is supposed to be cheered.
You commented it gets worse than Chennai. I said "bullock carts are fastest vehicle in your village doesn't mean anything." Irrespective of their status in your village, bullock carts are still damn slow, and a shitty mode of transportation.
Chennai, though it might be better than other cities in India in terms of bribes to be paid, is still the fastest bullock cart at best. It might be slightly faster than other bullock carts, but that isn't something which deserves celebrations.
> Culturally conservative yes, (same is true for Kolkata more or less) but not in an imposing way. It is more of the you dont bother me I wont bother you variety, atleast in my experience.
My Chennai experience has been different. People often try to shove their culture down your throats, and feel smug while doing so.
> The funny part is that contrary to what many hindi speakers believe, they do not speak hindi, not out of malice, but they are genuinely afraid that they will be made fun of.
That would be least of my concerns. If people speak Hindi or English(the only two languages I speak), superb. If they don't and I am there for long term, I would try and pick up the local language. No one sane will hold a grudge against someone for not speaking Hindi.
> The autowallahs are mostly swindlers let lose though.
Auto drivers in most parts of India are full of malice. I understand they are living shitty lives on small incomes, but that doesn't entitle you to unfairly charge me. I don't know why, but the auto drivers in Chennai are the worst. May be it has to do with the fact that I didn't speak local language.