Nehru

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An important contribution, this book delves into the ideological battles of Nehru's era, outlining the thinking and dialogue that laid the foundations of the Republic and remain relevant today. It explores Nehru's ideology and that of his contemporaries and opponents, questioning what India might have looked like had a different leader emerged during its formative years of independence. Sixty years after Nehru's death, he continues to be both revered and criticized, with contemporary political debates often reflecting the divergence from his ideas. The book juxtaposes Nehruvian ideals against those of his contemporaries, examining interactions with key figures such as Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity; Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, who defended the constitution; Sardar Patel, with whom Nehru disagreed on the threat of China; and Mohammad Iqbal, whose letters on Muslim solidarity were often penned from prison. Their correspondence and interactions reveal how post-independent India was envisioned as a nation and the early paths it took toward self-definition.