Unit 03

Indian writings in English

Discovery of india by Jawaharlal nehru
01. Introduction to the age
02. The British raj was the rule of the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent;[13] it is also
called Crown rule in India,[14] or Direct rule in India,[15] and lasted from 1858 to 1947.

03. It lasted until 1947, when the British Raj was partitioned into two
sovereign dominion states: the Union of India (later the Republic of India)
and Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan). Later, the People's Republic of
Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan. At the inception of the Raj in 1858,

04. The British Raj extended over almost all present-day India, Pakistan, and
Bangladesh, except for small holdings by other European nations such
as Goa and Pondicherry.[20] This area is very diverse, containing the Himalayan
mountains, fertile floodplains, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a long coastline, tropical dry
forests, arid uplands, and the Thar Desert.

05. Although the Indian Rebellion of 1857 had shaken the British enterprise in India,
it had not derailed it.

06. In the second half of the 19th century, both the direct
administration of India by the British crown and the technological
change ushered in by the industrial revolution, had the effect of
closely intertwining the economies of India and Great Britain.

07. On 28 December 1885, professionals and intellectuals from this

middle-class — many educated at the new British-founded
universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, and familiar with
the ideas of British political philosophers, especially
the utilitarians assembled in Bombay — founded the Indian
National Congress
 08. On 15 August 1947, the new Dominion of Pakistan (later Islamic Republic of
Pakistan), with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the governor-general; and the Dominion of
India, (later Republic of India) with Jawaharlal Nehru as the prime minister,

09. British India built a modern railway system in the late 19th century, which was the
fourth largest in the world. At first the railways were privately owned and operated.
They were run by British administrators, engineers and craftsmen. At first, only the
unskilled workers were Indians

10. The Ganges Canal reached 560 kilometres (350 miles) from Haridwar to
Cawnpore (now Kanpur), and supplied thousands of kilometres of distribution canals.
By 1900 the Raj had the largest irrigation system in the world.

11. During the British Raj, India experienced some of the worst famines ever
recorded, including the Great Famine of 1876–1878, in which 6.1 million to
10.39 million Indians perished[229] and the Indian famine of 1899–1900, in which 1.25 to
10 million Indians perished.

02. About the author

01. Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964) was an Indian anti-
colonial nationalist, statesman, secular humanist, social democrat,[2] and
author who was a central figure in India during the middle of the 20th
century
02. Nehru was a principal leader of the Indian nationalist movement in the
1930s and 1940s.
03. Upon India's independence in 1947, he served as the country's first prime
minister for 16 years.
04. Nehru promoted parliamentary democracy, secularism, and science and
technology during the 1950s,
05. . A well-regarded author, his books written in prison, such as Letters from a
Father to His Daughter (1929), An Autobiography (1936) and The
Discovery of India (1946), have been read around the world.
06. The son of Motilal Nehru, a prominent lawyer and Indian nationalist,
Jawaharlal Nehru was educated in England—at Harrow School and Trinity
College, Cambridge, and trained in the law at the Inner Temple.
 07. He became a barrister, returned to India, enrolled at the Allahabad High
Court and gradually began to take an interest in national politics, which
eventually became a full-time occupation.
e joined the Indian National Congress, rose to become the leader of a progressive
faction during the 1920s, and eventually of the Congress, receiving the support
of Mahatma Gandhi
Nehru and the Congress dominated Indian politics during the 1930s. Nehru
promoted the idea of the secular nation-state in the 1937 provincial elections,
allowing the Congress to sweep the elections, and to form governments in several
provinces.
Jawaharlal Nehru, next to Mahatma Gandhi, is regarded as the most significant
figure of the Indian independence movement that successfully ended British rule
over the Indian subcontinent
Nehru's education policy is also credited for the development of world-class
educational institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences,[317] Indian
Institutes of Technology,[318] and the Indian Institutes of Management.[319]
awards

01. In 1948, Nehru was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of

Mysore.[368] He later received honorary doctorates from the University of
Madras, Columbia University, and Keio University.
02. n 1955, Nehru was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian
honour

03. In 1970, he was posthumously awarded with the World Peace Council
prizes.

03 about the work

The Discovery of India was written by the Indian freedom fighter Jawaharlal Nehru (later India's
first Prime Minister) during his incarceration in 1942–1945 at Ahmednagar Fort in present-day
Indian state of Maharashtra by British colonial authorities before the independence of India

The book was written in 1944 but published in 1946.[2]

The journey in The Discovery of India begins from ancient history, leading up to the last years of
the British Raj. Nehru uses his knowledge of the Upanishads, Vedas, and textbooks on ancient
history to introduce to the reader the development of India from the Indus Valley civilization

Nehru was jailed for his participation in the Quit India Movement along with other Indian leaders,
and he used this time to write down his thoughts and knowledge about India's history.

The book provides a broad view of Indian history, philosophy, and culture as viewed from the
eyes of an Indian fighting for the independence of his country.
04.Discovery of India is a masterpiece of Indian
history and culture
It is a monumental work which covers the history, philosophy, art, religion, science,
economy, society and movements of one of the ancient cultures of the world. Nehru delves
deep into India’s rich and complex past from the Vedic history to the British rule in India to
arrive at the roots of his existence as well as his India
Nehru restudies and analyses the greatest texts of India from the Vedas to the Upanishads
and the great Indian epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata only to satisfy his quest. The
great personalities of India like Buddha, Chanakya and Mahatma Gandhi who played a very
vital role for the construction of nation have been also paid a tribute by him
his concern for the country as it was struck with famine and for the world as it was torn in
war. The second chapter extensively covers his personal life i.e the story of his relationship
with his wife Kamla, her illness and her death and his own philosophical speculations about
death.
The third chapter ‘The Quest’ is considered to be the real beginning of ‘The Discovery of
India’. The panorama of India’s past, India’s strength and Weakness, the search for India,
Bharatmata, The variety and Unity of India, all these sub chapters in the third chapter reflect
Nehru’s approach towards India and her appeal to him.
In ‘The Discovery of India’ Nehru begins to read the history of India from the beginning of
the Indus valley civilisation with the outline of the geography of the country and the
introduction of the Dravadians who were probably representative of the Indus valley
civilisation.
Nehru mentions that the Aryans were the first to invade India who poured into the country
in successive waves from the north – west in about a thousand years. They merged with the
native tribes. Nehru says that out of this cultural synthesis and fusion of the Aryans with the
Dravadians, the Indian races and her basic culture grew out.
Later on other races like Iranians, Greeks, Parthians, Bactrians, Huns, Turkish and Mongols
etc also came to India and were absorbed. The Discovery of India is Nehru’s sincere effort to
outline the historical events. He explained the term ‘Hinduism’ in detail which means “all
things to all men” and its quintessence is to live and let live. He also tells us about the earlier
records, scripture, and mythology which display his own readings of Vedas, Arthshastra,
Upanishadas, and Indian epics. The growth of new religions and religious sects
such as Buddhism and Jainism as well as the changing social structure and the beginning of
the caste system is explained in detail. The Discovery of India pens detailed picture of the
dawn of the medieval period and the golden era of the Guptas. Here Nehru also gives a good
sight of India’s foreign relationships with people of China, Iran and Greece as well as Indian’s
foreign trade which was wide spread and the merchants of India dominated many foreign
markets. Then the most perplexing question of Buddhism in India, its effect on Hinduism,
and its philosophy is explained extensively. The Discovery of India also focuses on the
problems that occurred with coming of Islam into India both as a religious and political force
and the flowering of the Arab culture as well as Mughal empire. Nehru tells that the Mughal,
though outsiders and strangers in India, fitted into the Indian structure with remarkable
speed and thus cultivated the feelings of assimilation and indianisation. Here Nehru seems
to be much more sympathetic to the Afghans and tries to give a better picture of the
IndoMughal period which is slightly different from what we learn from the history of India
Nehru might have presented the rosy picture of the Moslem period in India due to the Hindu
Moslem problem at the timeThe Mughal empire gradually disintegrated. The Marathas who
had previously emerged as a dominant power weakened and we are led to the path where
the British came to India as traders under the ‘East India Company’ and established a
colonial empire
‘The Discovery of India’ also presents a detailed picture of the British rule in India. It denotes
that the East India Company laid the foundation of British rule in India. The British who first
settled in Bengal gradually captured the Indian coastline
The Discovery of India pictures the real scenario of the Indian freedom movement during 1940’s. The
national congress unquestionably played a vital role in the freedom fight of India. The congress party
first came into power in the provincial elections of 1937 held under the government of India act of
1935

It developed its foreign policy and demanded that India should not be committed to any war without
the consent of the representatives of the people but the British viceroy without taking the consult of
the elected representatives, declared India’s belligerent in world war – II which resulted into the
resignation of the provincial government out of protest.

The resignation of congress provincial government resulted in chaos and disorder. The situation all
over the country was tense. The British government suppressed all attempts of the Indian people to
free themselves. All the eminent leaders were put behind the bars.

The congress resolution, sponsored by Gandhiji, declared that India should spend all her resources in
struggle for freedom. Following this the A.T.C.C passed the Quit India resolution on August 8, 1942.
The whole nation was in turmoil. All great leaders were imprisoned

The Discovery of India is an account of the journey of Nehru to discover India for himself. It was in a
real sense “the discovery of Nehru’s large, comprehensive and catholic self–the self that has read
widely, thought deeply and lost itself through love in the lives of the oppressed millions of India.” 10
During the course of his journey, he discovered what India was and envisaged what she would be.

Jawaharlal nehru as a prose writer

Jawaharlal Nehru occupies an enviable position in Indian writing in English. He
was a prose writer of distinction. The literary genius of Nehru has been
acclaimed not only in India but also in the world by scholars. His reputation as
a creative artist and literary personality rests on his major works
Nehru was a born visionary. He was writer of par excellence as well.
Commenting on the greatness of Nehru as a writer Dr Rajendra Prasad writes,
“Jawaharlal is a man of culture in the widest and best sense of the expression.
Nehru has been widely acclaimed for his exceptional command over English
language. His English is profoundly rich yet lucid. There is a free flow of poetic
narration in his works. Even his prose works sound melodious to our ears. It
must have been a challenging task for Nehru to manifest Indian sensibility in a
foreign language but he succeeded by his creative genious. Nehru is the superb
master of narration. He brings before us the vivid images of the great leaders
and saints of resplendent India.
It was translated into major European, Asian and Indian languages. It has been
widely regarded as a ‘Modern classics.’ It is also remarkable for its beautiful use
of English. It was the masterpiece of Nehru in which his approach to history is
both realistic and philosophical. Nehru writes about his motherland with pride.
He acknowledges the heritage and success as well as weaknesses and failures
of her people.
Albert Einstein, the great scientist rightly said that
‘The Discovery of India’, “Gives an understanding of the glorious intellectual
and spiritual tradition of (a) great country.” 4
‘The Discovery of India’ has been labeled as a historical book which deals with
India’s rich and complex past from the pre history to the British rule in India but
it is very difficult to put it under a particular branch of literature as it is a
disarray of historical facts, philosophical views and reflective essays. It is a work
of prodigious scope and scholarship which unfolds the Indian culture and
history.

Conclusion
1. Embrace Freedom and Independence:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy of life was deeply intertwined with

the pursuit of freedom and independence for India. He ardently
fought for the country’s liberation from colonial rule and believed in
the inherent rights and dignity of every individual.
Example: Nehru’s passionate advocacy for India’s independence and
his leadership during the struggle against British colonial rule
galvanized millions of Indians to join the freedom movement.

2. Promote Unity and Social Cohesion:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy emphasized the importance of unity

and social cohesion among India’s diverse communities. He
envisioned a nation where people from various backgrounds would
come together to work towards a common goal.

Example: Nehru’s efforts in laying the foundation of a democratic

and secular India encouraged the spirit of unity and tolerance
among its citizens.

3. Nurture a Progressive Vision for India:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy centered on a progressive vision for

India’s development and growth. He believed in the power of
education, science, and technology to drive the nation forward.

Example: Nehru’s focus on establishing educational institutions and

investing in scientific research paved the way for India’s progress in
various fields.

4. Champion Social Justice and Inclusivity:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy advocated for social justice and

inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of progress and development
reach every section of society.
Example: Nehru’s commitment to land reforms and policies aimed
at uplifting marginalized communities helped address socio-
economic disparities.

5. Uphold Internationalism and Non-Alignment:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy extended beyond India’s borders,

embracing internationalism and non-alignment. He played a
significant role in the non-aligned movement and championed the
cause of global peace and cooperation.

Example: Nehru’s commitment to non-alignment during the Cold

War era allowed India to pursue an independent foreign policy and
build diplomatic ties with countries from different blocs.

6. Foster a Culture of Intellectual and Cultural

Renaissance:

Jawaharlal Nehru’s philosophy emphasized the need for an

intellectual and cultural renaissance in India. He recognized the
significance of preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage while
embracing modernity.

Example: Nehru’s support for the arts, literature, and cultural

initiatives promoted India’s diverse cultural legacy on the global
stage.

Non-Violence

Nehru deeply respected Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence.

o He said that non-violence is not just a political strategy but an ideal way of living.
 o Nehru believed one should meet violence with a spirit of forgiveness and goodwill. He
also said violence often breeds more violence and hatred.

Secular Humanism

Nehru's philosophy was inspired by secular humanism.

o He emphasized the importance of scientific temper, rational thinking and humanistic

values like love, compassion and Service to humanity.
o Nehru believed human values are more important than religious dogmas. He wanted to
build an India based on human equality, reason and universal brotherhood.