The Cambridge Companion to Gandhi

A fresh interpretation of one of the most influential and revered figures of the modern world.

Judith Brown (Edited by), Anthony Parel (Edited by)

9780521133456, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 February 2011

294 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.4 kg

“A judicious selection of insightful articles which between them give a reliable and comprehensive account of Gandhi’s life, thought and impact. Indispensable for beginners and experts alike.” – Lord Bhikhu Parekh, University of Westminster and House of Lords

Even today, six decades after his assassination in January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi is still revered as the father of the Indian nation. His intellectual and moral legacy, and the example of his life and politics, serve as an inspiration to human rights and peace movements, political activists and students. This book, comprised of essays by renowned experts in the fields of Indian history and philosophy, traces Gandhi's extraordinary story. The first part of the book explores his transformation from a small-town lawyer during his early life in South Africa into a skilled political activist and leader of civil resistance in India. The second part is devoted to Gandhi's key writings and his thinking on a broad range of topics, including religion, conflict, politics and social relations. The final part reflects on Gandhi's image and on his legacy in India, the West, and beyond.

Introduction Judith M. Brown
Part I. Gandhi: The Historical Life: 1. Gandhi's world Yasmin Khan
2. Gandhi 1869–1915: the transnational emergence of a public figure Jonathan Hyslop
3. Gandhi as nationalist leader, 1915–1948 Judith M. Brown
Part II. Gandhi: Thinker and Activist: 4. Gandhi's key writings Tridip Suhrud
5. Gandhi's religion and its relation to his politics Akeel Bilgrami
6. Conflict and nonviolence Ronald J. Terchek
7. Gandhi's moral economics Thomas Weber
8. Gandhi and the state Anthony Parel
9. Gandhi and social relations Tanika Sarkar
Part III. The Contemporary Gandhi: 10. Portrayals of Gandhi Harish Trivedi
11. Gandhi in independent India Anthony Parel
12. Gandhi's global legacy David Hardiman.

Subject Areas: Religion: general [HRA], Asian history [HBJF]