After more than seven decades of Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) is still an overarching presence in India’s collective memory. One of the central figures in the country’s freedom struggle, he was also an eminent writer.

This short introduction to Nehru traces his personal–political journey from being a rich, Westernized young man to a radical leader of the Indian National Congress. Mukherjee provides a glimpse of his relationship with Gandhi-fraught with major ideological differences but steeped in mutual love and respect. Detailing the principles he stood by, the volume examines his role in the birth of a fledgling nation as well as his contribution as the first prime minister of the country in putting place the basic democratic structure of the Indian polity and society.