Author: B R Nanda
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 178
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195633636
Description
The continuing interest in Mahatma Gandhi has generated some severe critical comments on his life and ideas. B R Nanda, an eminent historian and biographer of Gandhi, examines these criticisms and clarifies misunderstandings, particularly in the West, about Gandhi’s thoughts and deeds.The London Times comment on Nanda’s biography of Mahatma Gandhi, that it rescues Gandhi both from the sentimentalists and from debunkers, would equally apply to this book
The author analyses the evolution of Gandhi’s personality and thought, his approach to religion, the caste system and the racial problem, his struggle against colonial rule, his attitude to events leading to the partition of India, his social and economic thought, and his doctrine of non-violence. The London Times comment on Nanda’s biography of Mahatma Gandhi, that it rescues Gandhi both from the sentimentalists and from debunkers, would equally apply to this book. Not only does it do justice to the memory of an extraordinary man, but also shows his relevance for India and the world today.
EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS
This book presents a scholarly analysis of Gandhi’s works on the one hand, and his critics on the other. Nanda has proved to be an outstanding researcher and his presentation is precise and fascinating.
-International Journal on World Peace
The value of the book lies in his portrayal of Gandhiji as a human being endowed with all the gifts of character and ability that go to make the substance of greatness.
-The Hindu
Contents
PREFACE
The Gandhi Film
A Hindu of Hindus
The Making of the Mahatma
Gandhi and the Caste System
The Fight Against Racialism
Amritsar, 1919
The Two Faces of Imperialism
The 1917 Declaration
Gandhi and The Raj
Religion and Politics
Gandhi and the Partition of India
The Partition Massacres
Gandhi and Non-Violence
Man versus Machine
A Reactionary?
The Man
EPILOGUE: THE MESSAGE
NOTES
INDEX