NewThe Discovery of India
A Prisoner's Journey Through India's Soul
by Jawaharlal NehruHistoryPhilosophyAutobiography
The Discovery of India
Originally in English1946
10 chapters1,051 pages19h read
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About This Book
Written amidst the solitude of imprisonment, The Discovery of India is Jawaharlal Nehru’s sweeping meditation on the vast tapestry of Indian civilization. From the dawn of the Indus Valley to the fervor of the independence movement, Nehru interlaces vivid historical narrative with personal reflection and philosophical insight. His elegant prose draws readers into India's cultural richness, its encounters with diverse influences, and the enduring spirit of its people. More than a history, this is an intimate exploration of identity, resilience, and the timeless rhythms that shape a nation—inviting readers to rediscover India through the eyes of one of its greatest leaders.
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Jawaharlal Nehru
1889–1964
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) was a central figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of independent India. Born in Allahabad to a prominent Kashmiri Brahmin family, Nehru received his early education in India before attending Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge, in England. He later studied law at the Inner Temple in London. Returning to India, Nehru became active in the Indian National Congress and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, rising to national prominence through his advocacy for self-rule and social reform. Nehru endured numerous periods of imprisonment under British colonial rule, including his long incarceration at Ahmadnagar Fort during World War II, where he wrote several significant works.
Places and Terms in this Book
Bengal— A fertile province in eastern India, severely affected by famine and mass deaths.
Congress— The principal political party leading the Indian independence movement, declared illegal during the period described.
Bihar— A state in eastern India, site of Nalanda.
Ceylon— The former name of Sri Lanka, where Nehru and his family took a holiday.
Punjab— A region in South Asia, significant in ancient and modern Indian history.
Benares— Benares, also known as Varanasi, is a sacred city on the Ganges River, central to Hindu religious life.
Vocabulary
caste— A hereditary social group in Hindu society, traditionally linked to occupation.
Duce— The Italian title meaning 'leader', used for Mussolini.
monism— The philosophical view that all things can be explained by a single reality or substance.
Tantric— A set of esoteric traditions and worship practices in Hinduism and Buddhism, focusing on ritual and spiritual discipline.
Vaishya— The merchant and artisan class in the Indian caste system, traditionally engaged in trade and commerce.
autocracy— System of government by one person with absolute power.