Book Description
A new approach to the life and times of one of modern history s most instantly recognisable and popular figures. Gandhi was a figure of unique moral authority, who stood for issues which are still very much alive anti-colonialism, ethnic co-existence, and peaceful protest. Provides a glossary of key terms and a chronology. New addition to the successful Profiles in Power series Very major author.Mahatma Gandhi was not only the most important Indian figure of the twentieth century, he is the most famous pacifist ever, yet he was also immensely powerful as the leader of India's struggle for independence. This latest edition in the very popular Profiles in Power Series offers an examination of Gandhi and the nature of his often unconventional and controversial power. Gandhi, a statesman who changed the political face of the world, has had a tremendous impact both within and beyond India, and he continues to be revered as one of the twentieth century's moral and political leaders. David Arnold takes the story further, to situate Gandhi in the context of his own times and by doing so, assesses his place in the history of India and in the modern world. Arnold addresses several questions in the light of increasingly critical views about Gandhi's power. For example, how far did it derive from his absolute commitment to India's nationalist struggle? Was his success due to the force and originality of his political ideas and his advocacy of nonviolent action? Can his achievements be explained by political wiliness and pragmatism, or by willingness to embark on new experiments with the truth? Was his power a consequence of his energy and exceptional organizational skills, or did it derive from an inner saintliness, his personal charm and charisma? With Gandhi there are no simple answers, but in this new history, David Arnold provides a better understanding of how he achieved and used his unique position of power. David Arnold is professor of South Asian History, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

From the Back Cover
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandhi * A new approach to the life and times of one of modern history's most instantly recognizable, respected and popular individuals. * Gandhi was a figure of unique moral authority who stood for issues which are still very much alive - anti-colonialism, ethnic co-existence, and peaceful protest. * This is not a biography, but an examination of how Gandhi rose to power, how influential he became and how he wielded his authority. Mahatma Gandhi was not only the most important Indian figure of the twentieth century, he is the most famous pacifist ever, yet he was also immensely powerful as the leader of India's struggle for independence. This latest edition in the very popular Profiles in Power Series offers an examination of Gandhi and the nature of his often unconventional and controversial power. Gandhi, a statesman who changed the political face of the world, has had a tremendous impact both within and beyond India, and he continues to be revered as one of the twentieth century's moral and political leaders. David Arnold takes the story further, to situate Gandhi in the context of his own times and by doing so, assesses his place in the history of India and in the modern world. Arnold addresses several questions in the light of increasingly critical views about Gandhi's power. For example, how far did it derive from his absolute commitment to India's nationalist struggle? Was his success due to the force and originality of his political ideas and his advocacy of nonviolent action? Can his achievements be explained by political wiliness and pragmatism, or by willingness to embark on new experiments with the truth? Was his power a consequence of his energy and exceptional organizational skills, or did it derive from an inner saintliness, his personal charm and charisma? With Gandhi there are no simple answers, but in this new history, David Arnold provides a better understanding of how he achieved and used his unique position of power. David Arnold is professor of South Asian History, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

About the Author
David Arnold is professor of South Asian History, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Few individuals have made so great a mark upon their times, yet Gandhi held no high political office, commanded no armies and was not even a compelling orator. How then can his power be explained? How and why did the shy student and affluent lawyer come to challenge a Western empire?" "David Arnold's profile tracks 'Mahatma' Gandhi's influence and image over more than forty years of public life. It covers: the struggle for the rights of Indians in South Africa which pitched him against white racism; Gandhi's techniques of non-cooperation and civil disobedience to drive out the British and wrest India's freedom; his ascendancy over the British, the Salt March of 1930, and his unique appeal as both Hindu saint and ordinary colonial subject; why India's independence in 1947, and violent partition, was not the freedom for which Gandhi had struggled; and Gandhi's bitter disillusionment before his assassination in January 1948." In leading India to independence, Gandhi also contributed uniquely to British political life and to the eventual dissolution of a worldwide Empire. This is a vivid introduction to his life and times.

SYNOPSIS

Arnold (South Asian history, University of London) tracks Gandhi's influence and image over the course of 40 years in public life, highlighting the struggle for the rights of Indians in South Africa, Gandhi's techniques of noncooperation and civil disobedience to drive out the British from India, and his appeal as both Hindu saint and ordinary colonial subject. B&w historical photos are included.