Nehru: The Invention of India

By Shashi Tharoor

Nehru: The Invention of India

by Shashi Tharoor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, is one of the most important figures in the country's history. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and played a major role in shaping the new nation after independence. Nehru is also known for his writings, which have influenced generations of Indians.

In his book Nehru: The Invention of India, Shashi Tharoor offers a comprehensive and insightful look at Nehru's life and legacy. Tharoor argues that Nehru was a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping modern India. He also discusses the many challenges that Nehru faced, both during the independence movement and after independence.

Nehru: The Invention of India is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history or politics. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a unique perspective on one of the most important figures in Indian history.

Nehru's Early Life and Education

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, India. He was the son of Motilal Nehru, a wealthy lawyer, and Swarup Rani Nehru. Nehru's family was politically active, and he was exposed to politics from a young age. Nehru's father and mother were against the caste system and were very open to promoting the upliftment of people from lower castes.

Nehru received his early education at home. In 1905, he was sent to England to study at Harrow School. After graduating from Harrow, Nehru attended Trinity College, Cambridge. He studied natural sciences at Cambridge and graduated with honors in 1910.

Nehru's Involvement in the Indian Independence Movement

After graduating from Cambridge, Nehru returned to India. He quickly became involved in the Indian independence movement. In 1912, he joined the Indian National Congress. The Indian National Congress was a political party that was dedicated to achieving independence from British rule.

Nehru quickly rose through the ranks of the Congress. In 1929, he was elected president of the Congress. He served as president of the Congress for two terms, from 1929 to 1931 and from 1936 to 1937.

During his time as president of the Congress, Nehru played a key role in the Indian independence movement. He led the Congress in a number of protests and demonstrations against British rule. He also helped to organize the Indian National Army, which fought against the British during World War II. Nehru and a group of young leaders in the Congress sought to transform the Congress from an organization of the elite to one that spoke to the concerns of the entire country. They travelled across the country organizing meetings with farmers, industrial workers etc, reviving the basic Congress organisations in every district and bringing peasants and workers directly in the freedom struggle. The Congress became a mass movement and now spoke for the whole nation. He was arrested several times by the British authorities. However, he continued to be a leading figure in the independence movement.

Nehru's Role in the Independent India

India finally achieved independence from British rule in 1947. Nehru became the first prime minister of independent India. He served as prime minister for 17 years, from 1947 to 1964.

During his time as prime minister, Nehru played a key role in shaping the new nation. He helped to establish India's democratic system of government and its secular constitution. Nehru also worked to promote economic development and social justice in India. He launched a number of important programs, including the Five-Year Plans, which were designed to improve the Indian economy. Nehru was a strong advocate of non-alignment and played a key role in the Non-Aligned Movement.

While Nehru was the dominant figure in Indian politics, the Congress party under his leadership had among its ranks many outstanding leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, all of whom contributed greatly to the founding and building of the Indian republic. But, Nehru was the acknowledged leader and the principal architect of the Indian constitution - the basic framework within which India has conducted its democratic politics ever since.

Nehru was a prolific writer and speaker. He wrote a number of books and articles on a variety of topics, including politics, history, and culture. Nehru's writings have influenced generations of Indians.

Nehru's Legacy

Nehru died in 1964. He is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and played a major role in shaping the new nation after independence. Nehru's legacy is complex and controversial. He is praised for his vision and his commitment to democracy and social justice. However, he is also criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and his handling of some key issues, such as the Kashmir dispute.

Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that Nehru was a major figure in Indian history. He was a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping modern India. His legacy continues to inspire Indians today.

Nehru: The Invention of India is a well-written and informative book that provides a unique perspective on one of the most important figures in Indian history. Tharoor's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history or politics.

Nehru: The Invention of India

by Shashi Tharoor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE