Nehru: The Invention Of India..

Shashi Tharoor

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This short biography examines a great figure of twentieth-century nationalism from the vantage point of the beginning of the twenty-first. Deftly weaving personal facets with historical happenings, it tells the fascinating story of Jawaharlal Nehru's life. Finely portrayed is the unremarkable youth who found his calling in politics and followed Gandhi into British jails; the aristocrat born to privilege who was moved by the plight of peasants because of his socialist convictions; the cosmopolitan who became the hero of the nationalist youth; the die-hard secularist who confronted Hindu mobs, trying to stop the Partition violence; and the Prime Minister who desired to educate the poor, illiterate and idolizing Indian masses in democracy by his own personal example. .....The book also analyses the principal pillars of Nehru's legacy to India: democratic institution building, staunch pan-Indian secularism, socialist economics at home and a foreign policy of non-alignment.

Tharoor sees the first two as having been indispensable to the survival of our pluralism, and non-alignment to preserving our self-respect, though socialist economics, he believes, was disastrous-boosting poverty, stagnation and widespread corruption. All of these, however, were integral to a vision of Indianness that is fundamentally contested today.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Early Life and Education: Exploring Nehru's childhood, upbringing, and education, shedding light on the influences that shaped his worldview.

  2. Role in Independence Movement: Highlighting Nehru's active participation in the Indian independence movement, his leadership within the Indian National Congress, and his contributions to the struggle against British rule.

  3. Vision for India: Examining Nehru's vision for an independent India, his ideas on democracy, secularism, and socialism, as well as his role in shaping the country's political and economic trajectory.

  4. Leadership Style: Assessing Nehru's leadership style during his tenure as Prime Minister, including his approach to governance, foreign policy, and nation-building.

  5. Challenges Faced: Detailing the challenges Nehru faced during his leadership, such as the integration of princely states, economic policies, and handling communal tensions.

  6. Foreign Policy: Discussing Nehru's role in shaping India's foreign policy, his commitment to non-alignment, and his relationships with world leaders.

  7. Legacy and Impact: Analyzing the long-term impact of Nehru's policies on India's development, institutions, and political culture.

  8. Personal Life: Offering insights into Nehru's personal life, relationships, and family dynamics, providing a more rounded picture of the man beyond his political role.

  9. Criticism and Controversies: Addressing critiques and controversies surrounding Nehru, including debates on his handling of certain situations and policy decisions.

  10. Post-Nehru Era: Examining the political landscape and changes in India after Nehru's death, assessing the continuity or departure from his vision.

Language English
ISBN-10 0670092002
ISBN-13 9780670092000
No of pages 261
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Penguin Books
Published Date 23 Oct 2003

About Author

Author : Shashi Tharoor

17 Books

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