Nehru : A Political Life

This book provides a compelling and complete biography of one of India’s finest statesmen and the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964). Drawing on hitherto inaccessible sources, Judith Brown, one of the foremost historians on modern India, offers an insightful analysis of the political life of a great leader. Nehru’s dedication to his country led to his imprisonment during British rule, a disturbed family life and personal sacrifice. Often described as the architect of modern India, he ruled the country for nearly two decades during which he ceaselessly pursued his vision of a transformed and democratic India. This biography depicts the phases of Nehru’s life and shows how it was influenced by new developments in Indian politics. Nehru was born into a highly privileged family and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and his creed of non-violence. The book chronicles his political career as a nationalist leader and thereafter as Prime Minister with its experiences of both success and failure. The author explores the political and social constraints within which Nehru operated and the administrative problems he inherited from the British Raj. Casting new light on both the public leader and the private man, this book makes a significant and highly original contribution to our understanding of India’s most fascinating political leader, the dynamics of India’s nationalist movement and international relations, and the complexities of nation-building in the aftermath of imperial rule. This volume will be of great interest to students and scholars of politics and history, and readers interested in Nehru and the Indian freedom movement.