Title: India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Publication Date: 2007
Length: 904 pages
ISBN: 978-0674025774
Awards:
- Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction (2008)
- Duff Cooper Prize (2008)
- Aristion Prize (2008)
Synopsis:
"India After Gandhi" is a magisterial history of India from the time of its independence in 1947 to the present day. Ramchandra Guha tells the story of India's struggle to build a democratic society, of its successes and failures, and of the challenges that it faces today.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the period from 1947 to 1964, when India was led by its first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was a charismatic leader who was committed to democracy and socialism. He also oversaw India's industrialization and modernization.
The second part of the book covers the period from 1964 to 1989, when India was ruled by a series of prime ministers who succeeded Nehru. This period was marked by political instability and economic stagnation. India also fought two wars with Pakistan during this time.
The third part of the book covers the period from 1989 to the present day. This period has seen India's emergence as a global economic power. However, India also faces a number of challenges, including poverty, inequality, religious extremism, and terrorism.
"India After Gandhi" is a comprehensive and authoritative history of India. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this complex and fascinating country.