The book explores the contrasting leadership styles of Gandhi's non-violence during World War II and Arjuna's military approach in the Bhagavad Gita. It delves into how Gandhi, inspired by the philosophical teachings of the Gita, mobilized millions in the Quit India movement, positioning himself as a wartime leader despite advocating for peace. The analysis highlights the philosophical underpinnings of Gandhi's actions and the relevance of ancient texts in shaping modern resistance movements.
Focusing on the intellectual climate of British imperialism in nineteenth-century India, the author combines intellectual history with social psychology to reveal how the illusion of permanence emerged prior to the Great Mutiny of 1857. This pivotal event solidified a rigid imperialistic mindset. The study draws from a diverse array of sources, including literary works like Jane Eyre and A Passage to India, as well as diaries, letters, essays, and parliamentary records, offering a comprehensive examination of the period's societal attitudes.
Personal account of Birendra's development and Nepal's politics, by a Harvard-trained scholar and a tutor to the future King