Subject
India -- Politics and government -- 1919-1947 Books
Best books
Romain Rolland
Mahatma Gandhi: The Man Who Became One With the Universal Being
"Mahatma Gandhi: The Man Who Became One With the Universal Being" by Romain Rolland is a biographical account exploring the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into Gandhi's transformation from a frail young man to a leader who inspired a nation to fight for independence through non-violent resistance. It focuses on the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and the significance of spiritual and moral strength in achieving social and political change. At the start of the narrative, the author paints a vivid picture of Gandhi, depicting him as a simple yet formidable figure. Identified as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the text outlines his early life experiences, including his upbringing in a devout Hindu family and the influences that shaped his worldview. Rolland recounts Gandhi's formative years spent in England, his initial experiences with racism in South Africa, and how these events ignited his relentless quest for justice. As Gandhi confronts harsh realities, he begins to formulate his philosophy of non-violence and commitment to serving the oppressed. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Gandhi’s teachings and struggles, laying the groundwork for an account that transcends mere biographical details to address the broader implications of his ideals on humanity.
C. (Chettur) Sankaran Nair
Gandhi and Anarchy
"Gandhi and Anarchy" by Sir C. Sankaran Nair is a critical account of Mahatma Gandhi's political philosophy and methods, written in the early 20th century. The work primarily examines Gandhi's concept of Swaraj (self-rule) and the non-violent methods he advocated for India’s independence, arguing against the effectiveness of these approaches and cautioning against their potential for inciting violence and chaos. The author, Nair, is clearly skeptical about Gandhi's ideas and the implications they hold for both political stability and social order in India. The opening of the book lays out Sir C. Sankaran Nair's ideologies and criticisms of Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement. He contends that Gandhi's refusal to engage with conventional governance structures, such as the legislative councils, undermines the quest for effective self-rule. Rather than leading to true independence, Nair argues that Gandhi's reliance on "soul force" and emotional appeals can only result in anarchic conditions, thus questioning Gandhi's true intentions. Nair emphasizes that the path advocated by Gandhi poses a danger to the political progress of India, particularly drawing attention to the communal tensions that arise from intertwining religious and political aims, specifically through the Khilafat movement. Through his opening statements, Nair suggests that Gandhi’s plans, while noble in intention, are disconnected from the practical needs of Indian society and governance.
Mahatma Gandhi
Indian Home Rule
"Indian Home Rule" by Mahatma Gandhi is a book written in 1909. Presented as a dialogue between two characters, it expresses Gandhi's vision of Indian independence and self-rule. Gandhi argues that true freedom requires rejecting Western civilization itself, not simply replacing British rulers with Indian ones. He advocates for passive resistance and self-reliance as the path to independence. The British government banned the book in 1910, deeming it seditious.
Dalip Singh Saund
My mother India
"My Mother India" by Dalip Singh Saund is a cultural and historical analysis published in the early 20th century. The work aims to provide a counter-narrative to the perceptions of India held by Western audiences, particularly addressing misconceptions about its society, customs, and politics. The book delves into various aspects of Indian culture, including the status of women, marriage customs, and the ethics underlying Hindu civilization. The opening of the work serves as a preface where Saund outlines the purpose and intent behind the book, which arose from a desire to enlighten Americans about India's rich cultural heritage amidst a backdrop of rapid change. He addresses misconceptions perpetuated by previous literature, particularly pointing out the importance of understanding Indian society's complexities rather than relegating it to a mere exotic stereotype. The text emphasizes the integral role women have played throughout Indian history and challenges the stereotypical notions of their subjugation, setting the stage for deeper explorations of topics like marriage, ethics, and national identity in subsequent chapters.
Mahatma Gandhi
Freedom's Battle Being a Comprehensive Collection of Writings and Speeches on the Present Situation
"Freedom's Battle" by Mahatma Gandhi is a collection of writings and speeches compiled during the early 20th century, specifically published in the early 1920s. The work centers around key issues affecting India during the British colonial period, including the Khilafat Movement, political rights, and the struggle for autonomy and justice. Gandhi discusses the implications of British policy on Muslim sentiment and advocates for unity between Hindus and Muslims in their shared quest for freedom. The opening of the text introduces the complex political and social landscape India faced post-World War I, highlighting the discontent among Indian Muslims regarding the treatment of the Ottoman Empire and their religious sentiments tied to the Khilafat. Gandhi reflects on the failures of the new British reforms, emphasizing the dangers of maintaining a foreign bureaucracy and the continued violation of the rights and beliefs of the Indian people. He sets the stage for a call to action through nonviolent resistance and cooperation, urging Indians to unite in the face of what he perceives as unjust governance, thus reflecting on broader themes of nationalism, social justice, and civic responsibility.
Chitta Ranjan Das
India for Indians Enlarged Edition
"India for Indians" by Chitta Ranjan Das is a collection of political speeches written in the early 20th century. The book addresses the pressing political issues of India during the time of colonial rule, advocating for self-governance and unity among diverse Indian communities, particularly focusing on the collaboration between Hindus and Muslims. The speeches reflect the growing national consciousness and desire for democratic reforms against the backdrop of British imperialism. The opening of the work sets the stage for this fervent political discourse, featuring Das as he reads to a diverse assembly at a mass meeting in Calcutta. He passionately protests against the British policy of internment, highlighting the unjust detention of respected Indian leaders and emphasizing the need for collective action among Hindus and Muslims to combat colonial oppression. Das invokes historical references, legal principles, and emotional appeals to rally support for self-governance, articulating the common interest of all Indians regardless of religion. Through these speeches, Das emerges as a staunch advocate for national unity and change, positioning the text as a powerful call to action during a pivotal moment in Indian history.
Romain Rolland
Mahatma Gandhi
"Mahatma Gandhi" by Romain Rolland is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the life and philosophy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, exploring his upbringing, beliefs, and the development of his non-violent resistance movement against British colonial rule in India. This comprehensive study sheds light on Gandhi's impactful methods and moral convictions, as well as his influence on India's quest for independence. At the start of the book, the author introduces Gandhi as a man of humble appearance and profound inner strength, likening him to figures like Saint Francis of Assisi. Rolland recounts Gandhi's early life in Porbandar, his education, and the formative experiences that shaped his commitment to non-violence and social justice. The narrative begins to unpack Gandhi's moral philosophy, rooted in his Hindu upbringing, particularly the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), setting the stage for his later activism in South Africa and, ultimately, India. Through this opening portion, readers gain insight into Gandhi's initial struggles and the ideological groundwork that would underpin his later actions as a leader for millions who yearned for freedom.
Chitta Ranjan Das
Freedom Through Disobedience
"Freedom Through Disobedience" by Chitta Ranjan Das is a political speech delivered during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s, at the thirty-seventh session of the Indian National Congress. The book reflects on the theme of political resistance, urging the necessity of disobedience against unjust laws and repressive governmental practices as a means to achieve India's freedom from colonial rule. Das articulates the principles of nationalism, the importance of self-determination, and the moral imperative of non-violent resistance. In this powerful address, Das draws parallels between historical struggles for freedom, including references to seminal events in English history, to argue that the Indian populace must assert their rights through disobedience to oppressive laws rather than passive compliance. He underscores the idea that true representation and governance must arise from the people's will and that unjust laws losing legitimacy through popular non-cooperation. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for a collective national identity and cooperation among various communities in India, promoting a vision of Swaraj (self-rule) that is rooted in the spiritual and moral upliftment of society. With a call for robust participation from all sections of the population, especially labor and peasant groups, Das seeks to unify diverse communities across India in the pursuit of freedom.
Romain Rolland
Mahatma Gandhi
"Mahatma Gandhi" by Romain Rolland is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This biography delves into the life and ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi, exploring his role in the Indian independence movement and his philosophy of non-violence and passive resistance. Rolland presents an in-depth look at Gandhi's character, formative experiences, and the socio-political environment of his time, laying the groundwork for understanding his profound impact on India and the broader world. At the start of the narrative, the author introduces Gandhi as a seemingly frail yet remarkable individual with dark, calm eyes and a humble demeanor, setting the tone for a life marked by immense patience and compassion. We learn about Gandhi's humble beginnings in Porbandar, India, his educational pursuits in England, and his gradual awakening to the need for reform within both Indian society and colonial governance. The opening highlights his philosophical development, particularly the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) rooted in Jainism, and culminates in his realization of the importance of civil rights for Indians in South Africa, which sparked his activism and laid the foundation for his later leadership in the struggle for India's independence.
Mahatma Gandhi
La jeune Inde
"La jeune Inde" by Mahatma Gandhi is a collection of political writings written in the early 20th century. It gathers his articles and addresses on non-violent resistance, national self-rule, and moral reform under colonial rule, presenting Satyagraha as a disciplined, transformative force. The focus is on non-cooperation, Swadeshi, Hindu–Muslim unity, and the ethical foundations of political action. The opening of the work presents Romain Rolland’s introduction, which frames the writings as an audacious, methodical “experiment” in non-violence—an active “sword” of self‑sacrifice rather than passivity—carried out amid real danger, strict self-discipline, and total transparency. He highlights the aims and risks of mobilizing vast, emotional crowds, Gandhi’s readiness to err, correct, and bear responsibility, his outreach even to adversaries, and his insistence on moral rigor. The early pieces then show this program in action: a call for Satyagraha linked with Swadeshi and interfaith solidarity; a clear statement of principles distinguishing Satyagraha from passive resistance and recounting the first nationwide fast-and-strike, Gandhi’s arrest, the unrest that followed, and his critique of punitive state measures; an appeal to support Muslims over the Caliphate by principled non-cooperation rather than commercial boycotts; a measured response to a royal proclamation urging disciplined agitation, not complacency; a practical plan to achieve Swaraj through village spinning and khadi; guidance on Hindu–Muslim unity grounded in shared purpose and tolerance rather than social mixing; a plea for clemency after the Amritsar trials; and a concise definition of non-violence as active goodwill toward all beings.
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