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Jawaharlal Nehru Biography, Education, Wife, Books, Death, History

PWOnlyIAS November 14, 2024 09:33 13823 0

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the independent India’s first Prime Minister. Keep on reading to learn more about Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru biography, his family, and his contribution.

Jawaharlal Nehru Biography, Education, Wife, Books, Death, History

Jawaharlal Nehru Biography: Jawaharlal Nehru, often referred to as Pandit Nehru, was a prominent political leader and the first Prime Minister of independent India. He played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s destiny and guiding it through the critical early years of nation-building. Nehru’s visionary leadership, dedication to democracy, and commitment to social justice left a lasting impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

Jawaharlal Nehru Birth

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889. He was born in Allahabad, British India, which is now known as Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Nehru was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of independent India. He played a crucial role in shaping modern India’s political and social landscape. Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister lasted from 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964. He is often referred to as Pandit Nehru, and his birthday, November 14, is celebrated in India as Children’s Day in his honor.

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Jawaharlal Nehru’s Early Life and Education

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, into a wealthy Kashmiri Pandit family. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent lawyer and political figure. Nehru received his education in India and later went on to study law at Trinity College, Cambridge. His exposure to Western political ideas and philosophy during his time in England greatly influenced his outlook and laid the foundation for his future role as a statesman.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Family

Jawaharlal Nehru came from a prominent Kashmiri Pandit family, and his lineage can be traced back to the Kashmir region in northern India. His father and mother both played important roles in shaping his political beliefs and instilling a sense of nationalism in him.

Jawaharlal Nehru Father: Motilal Nehru

Motilal Nehru was a prominent lawyer and an influential political leader. He was born on May 6, 1861, in Agra, British India. Motilal Nehru actively participated in the Indian independence movement and was a key figure in the Indian National Congress. He served as the President of the Indian National Congress twice and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India.

Pandit Motilal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru Mother: Swarup Rani Nehru

Swarup Rani Nehru, also known as Swarup Rani Thussu, was Motilal Nehru’s second wife. She was born on August 2, 1868, in Delhi, British India. Swarup Rani Nehru was actively involved in social and political work and supported her husband’s activities. She was known for her philanthropic work and played a significant role in promoting education and women’s rights.

Swarup Rani Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru Wife and Children

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, had one wife and one child. His wife’s name was Kamala Nehru, and they were married in 1916. Kamala Nehru was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and worked alongside her husband in various political activities.

Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru had one daughter named Indira Priyadarshini, who later became known as Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She played a significant role in shaping Indian politics and was a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress party.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Political Awakening

Upon returning to India, Nehru became actively involved in the Indian National Congress, a political party leading the struggle for independence from British rule. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and became a staunch supporter of the Indian independence movement. Nehru’s charisma, intellect, and passion for social justice quickly propelled him to the forefront of the political arena.

Jawaharlal Nehru Role in the Independence Struggle

Jawaharlal Nehru played a significant role in the independence struggle of India. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, which spearheaded the movement against British colonial rule.

  • Nehru’s involvement in the independence struggle began in the 1920s when he joined the Congress and quickly rose to prominence.
  • He became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the freedom movement, and worked closely with him in various campaigns and movements.
  • One of Nehru’s most notable contributions was his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhi in 1920. Nehru actively participated in the movement, encouraging people to boycott British institutions and advocating for swadeshi (use of Indian-made goods). He organized and led protests, which resulted in his imprisonment several times.
  • During the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, Nehru played a pivotal role.
  • He was among the leaders who marched with Gandhi on the historic Salt March, a protest against the British salt monopoly. Nehru’s participation in the movement helped galvanize public support and brought international attention to the Indian independence struggle.
  • Nehru was also a key figure in the Quit India Movement of 1942. When the Congress launched the movement, demanding immediate independence, Nehru was arrested along with other leaders and imprisoned for several years. Despite being in jail, he continued to inspire the masses through his writings and letters.
  • After India gained independence in 1947, Nehru became the country’s first Prime Minister. As the Prime Minister, he played a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy, leading the nation’s efforts to establish itself as a sovereign, democratic republic on the global stage.
  • Nehru’s vision for India was that of a modern, industrialized, and secular nation.
  • He played a vital role in laying the foundation for democratic governance, promoting social justice, and advocating for economic development.
  • His policies included the implementation of land reforms, the establishment of public sector industries, and the promotion of scientific and educational institutions.

Furthermore, Nehru played an active role in international politics, advocating for peace and non-alignment during the Cold War. He was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and worked towards strengthening ties with other newly independent nations.

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Jawaharlal Nehru as First Prime Minister of India

Jawaharlal Nehru served as the first Prime Minister of India from its independence in 1947 until his death in 1964. He was a central figure in the Indian independence movement and played a crucial role in shaping the early years of the newly independent nation.

Jawaharlal Nehru as the First Prime Minister of India

  • Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, British India. He came from a prominent political family, with his father Motilal Nehru being a leading figure in the Indian National Congress.
  • Nehru was educated in England and later studied law at the Inner Temple in London.
  • Upon his return to India, Nehru became involved in the freedom struggle against British rule. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and became one of his closest associates.
  • Nehru advocated for complete independence from British rule and participated in various civil disobedience campaigns and protests.
  • After India gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, Nehru became the country’s first Prime Minister.
  • He led the nation through the challenging early years of independence, focusing on nation-building, social and economic reforms, and foreign policy.
  • Nehru played a significant role in drafting the Indian Constitution and establishing a democratic and secular framework for the country.
  • Under Nehru’s leadership, India pursued a policy of non-alignment in the global arena, seeking to maintain neutrality and forge alliances based on mutual interests rather than aligning with any specific bloc during the Cold War.
  • Nehru’s vision for India emphasized industrialization, scientific progress, and social justice. He introduced several initiatives to promote economic development, including the establishment of large-scale public sector industries and the implementation of land reforms.
  • Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister saw several significant achievements, such as the founding of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the establishment of the Planning Commission to oversee economic planning. However, his leadership was not without challenges.
  • The country faced internal conflicts, including the integration of princely states, and external conflicts, such as the Indo-Pakistani wars over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s policies and leadership style shaped India’s political, social, and economic landscape in its formative years. He was a proponent of secularism, democracy, and socialism and left a lasting impact on the country. Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, also served as Prime Minister of India, continuing his family’s political legacy.

Jawaharlal Nehru Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment

  • Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, played a significant role in shaping India’s foreign policy during his tenure from 1947 to 1964.
  • One of the key pillars of Nehru’s foreign policy was the principle of non-alignment.
  • Non-alignment refers to the policy of not aligning with any major power bloc during the Cold War era, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union.
  • Nehru, along with leaders from other newly independent nations, advocated for a neutral stance and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy based on the principles of peace, cooperation, and national sovereignty.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Commitment to Non-Alignment

  • Nehru’s commitment to non-alignment was rooted in several factors.
  • First and foremost, India had recently gained independence from British colonial rule, and Nehru was determined to establish India as a sovereign nation free from external domination.
  • He sought to maintain India’s independence by avoiding military alliances that could potentially entangle the country in conflicts between major powers.
  • Secondly, Nehru believed in the importance of fostering economic development and social progress in India. Non-alignment allowed India to seek assistance and partnerships from multiple countries without being constrained by the conditions or expectations of any specific power bloc. Nehru aimed to pursue economic cooperation and technological assistance from both Western and Eastern countries to support India’s industrialization and modernization efforts.
  • Additionally, Nehru was deeply committed to promoting peace and disarmament on the global stage. He strongly opposed the arms race and nuclear proliferation, advocating for disarmament and peaceful coexistence among nations.
  • Nehru played a pivotal role in organizing the first Asian-African Conference in 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
  • The NAM aimed to bring together countries from the Global South to promote their common interests, advocate for decolonization, and pursue peaceful resolutions to international conflicts.
  • Nehru’s non-alignment policy faced both praise and criticism. Supporters commended his efforts to maintain India’s independence and promote cooperation among nations, while critics argued that non-alignment limited India’s ability to fully capitalize on potential alliances and economic opportunities.
  • Nonetheless, Nehru’s non-alignment policy remained a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy for several decades and continues to influence India’s approach to international relations today.

It’s worth noting that India’s foreign policy has evolved since Nehru’s time, adapting to changing global dynamics and India’s own strategic interests. However, the principles of non-alignment and pursuit of an independent foreign policy remain influential in shaping India’s approach to international affairs.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Death

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, passed away on May 27, 1964. He was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Nehru played a crucial role in shaping the future of independent India and was in office as the Prime Minister from August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence, until his death in 1964.

His death was a significant event in Indian history, and he is remembered for his contributions to nation-building, his vision of a modern and progressive India, and his dedication to democracy and secularism. After Nehru’s death, Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded him as the Prime Minister of India.

Jawaharlal Nehru Legacy and Impact

Jawaharlal Nehru’s contributions to modern India are immeasurable. His vision of a democratic, secular, and socialist India set the foundation for the country’s political system and social fabric. Nehru’s commitment to social justice, education, and scientific temper led to the establishment of institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He laid the groundwork for India’s industrialization and pushed for land reforms to uplift the rural poor.

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Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru FAQs

At the age of 58, Jawaharlal Nehru commenced his remarkable 17-year tenure as the inaugural Prime Minister of independent India. Being a symbol of generational transformation, Shri Gandhi obtained the most significant electoral support the nation had ever witnessed.

After India gained independence in 1947, he assumed the role of India's inaugural prime minister and held the position for a span of 16 years. Nehru actively advocated for parliamentary democracy, secularism, and the advancement of science and technology in the 1950s, playing a significant role in shaping India's path as a contemporary nation.

Non-Aligned Movement is a group of like-minded countries which decided to not align with any superpower during the cold war era.

Letters from a Father to His Daughter (1929), An Autobiography (1936) and The Discovery of India (1946) are some of the well known works of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Children’s day is celebrated every year to mark the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1955.
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