Prolific Statesman, Brilliant Orator, Far-sighted Visionary, Steadfast Diplomat – There is absolutely no limit to the words that describe the first Prime Minister of India, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. Fondly called Chacha Nehru by millions of children across the country, this iconic leader has inspired generations of Indians. His was an eventful life devoted initially to India’s freedom struggle and subsequently to her governance. Top 10s Only takes a look at the Top 10 Best Books Written By Jawaharlal Nehru that shed light on the extraordinary life lived by an extraordinary man.
Rediscover Literary Gems: Top 10 Most Popular Books By Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru That Everyone Must Read
Jawaharlal Nehru was an iconic Indian leader. His entire family had been actively involved in India’s freedom struggle. His charismatic personality and profound wisdom enabled him to steer the nation after gaining independence from the British. The top ten books penned by Nehru offer glimpses into his remarkable life and are a must-read for history buffs.
1. The Discovery Of India
Ask anyone, and they’ll point to The Discovery of India as being one of Jawaharlal Nehru’s best books! This remarkable piece of literature was written by the great statesman during his imprisonment at Ahmadnagar Fort, Maharashtra. This famous book written by Jawaharlal Nehru on India, traces our country’s extraordinary history, from the time of the Indus Valley civilization until the final years of British-occupied India. The Discovery of India sheds light on several cultural and socio-economic aspects that shaped the country into its present multi-cultural form. It’s interesting to note that this book served as the inspiration for the Doordarshan series Bharat Ek Khoj, which was telecast in 1988. Undoubtedly, readers can expect a literary feast to unfold via the pages of this book! The undying relevance of this book has even ensured its place in our article regarding the top 10 best books on Indian independence by freedom fighters of India.
First Publication
1946
Formats Available
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover & Paperback
2. Letters From A Father To His Daughter
The bond between a father and his children is a strong one. But what happens when they are separated by unfortunate circumstances? Does this bond wither and die, or will it get stronger through resilience? This and more life lessons can be expected when you quietly flip through the pages of this poignant book written by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. As the name points out, Letters From A Father To His Daughter is a collection of thirty letters penned by Panditji in 1928 to his 10-year-old daughter Indira, who herself eventually followed in her father’s footsteps to become the first female Prime Minister of India. Perhaps her inspiration lay within the profound messages that lay in these letters. This is one of the most educational books by Jawaharlal Nehru and is a must-read for those who wish to get a sneak peek into the mind of one of the most brilliant statesmen India has ever produced!
Year Of First Publication
1929
Formats Available
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover & Paperback
3. Glimpses Of World History
Being a prominent freedom fighter, Nehru had to undergo varying periods of incarceration in numerous prisons in India. Again, this meant painful separation from his beloved only child, Indira. As a means to cope with this unpleasant situation, Jawaharlal Nehru started writing letters to his daughter. He could never really post them, but it still helped him get through his ordeal. Panditji’s book Glimpses Of World History is a collection of over 190 such letters addressed to young Indira that offers an in-depth look at various events that shaped the course of history. For history buffs, Glimpses Of World History, written by Nehruji, is a must-read as it gives its readers an unparalleled look at the history of mankind!
Year Of First Publication
1934
Formats Available
Kindle, & Paperback
4. Towards Freedom: The Autobiography Of Jawaharlal Nehru
Yet another one of the famous books written by Jawaharlal Nehru, Towards Freedom is an autobiographical book that was penned by Panditji during his prison term, sometime between 1934 and 1935. Towards Freedom takes its readers on a journey of self-realisation, perhaps almost the same as the one Nehruji himself went through while writing this book. This top-ranked Nehru book covers many personal aspects of Panditji’s life – the conflict between western and eastern perspectives, the critical examination of Nationalism, his relationships with family members, etc. Towards Freedom is by no means an easy read, as it opens the reader’s mind to a critical analysis of life in India.
Year Of First Publication
1936
Formats Available
Hardcover, & Paperback
5. Words Of Freedom: Ideas Of A Nation
As one of India’s most charismatic leaders, Jawaharlal Nehru penned several inspirational speeches that motivated those who took part in India’s freedom struggle. A brilliant orator, Nehru’s speeches have endured the test of time and have been compiled into the book Ideas Of A Nation: Words Of Freedom. The first chapter, ‘Purna Swaraj’, was a speech Nehru made as part of the presidential address during the Congress session at Lahore in 1929. The initial paragraphs are a heartfelt ode to the unsung freedom fighters of India, who, as Nehru puts it “laboured and suffered in silence without any expectation of public applause, and by their heart’s blood they nursed the tender plant of India’s freedom.” Without a doubt, Ideas Of A Nation deserves its place in this top 10 list of books written by Jawaharlal Nehru. The entire book is capable of inspiring umpteen future generations!
Year Of First Publication
2010
Formats Available
Paperback
6. Letters For A Nation: From Jawaharlal Nehru To His Chief Ministers, 1947-1963
In 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of an independent India. This was by no means an easy role. India was facing several issues during this tumultuous time, and it took every ounce of this visionary leader’s political acumen to steer the country towards prosperity. One of the measures he adopted was to pen letters to the newly-appointed Chief Ministers of India. Every fortnight, he would write to them about relevant topics concerning the fledgling country. This continued till December 1963, just shortly before his death. Letters For A Nation is a compilation of those wise messages he left for his chief ministers. And so, this is not merely a book written by Jawaharlal Nehru. It is a look at the dreams and aspirations he had for this country!
Year Of First Publication
2014
Formats Available
Kindle, Hardcover & Paperback
7. China, Spain And The War
China, Spain And The War is one of the most important books written by Jawaharlal Nehru. This book is a collection of essays that focuses on a time when the world was on the brink of a massively devastating World War, and the changes that occurred in its aftermath. Panditji is said to have embarked on a short two-week tour of Siam (Thailand), Burma (Myanmar), and China, and this enabled him to witness the political situation in these places. He had to cut his visit short and return to India when World War II was declared. China, Spain And The War is an account of a different pre-war world as seen through Nehru’s eyes, and it offers a refreshing insight into the socio-political dynamics that were at play in those turbulent times.
Year Of First Publication
1940
Formats Available
Hardcover & Paperback
8. Before Freedom: Nehru’s Letters To His Sister
The Indian freedom struggle produced countless heroes, and often many were from the same family. The Nehru family was no exception! Jawaharlal Nehru’s parents, sisters, wife, and daughter were all actively involved in fighting for India’s freedom from colonial rule. Before Freedom is an insightful book that features several letters written by Panditji to his younger sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. The book was compiled and edited by Nayantara Sahgal, the daughter of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. Divided into seven parts, this book covers a period of almost four decades, and it shows readers an intimate and personal side of India’s most famous statesman. The depth of love and understanding shared by the brother and sister are clear for all to see in this famous book written by Pandit Jawharlal Nehru.
Year Of First Publication
2000
Formats Available
Hardcover
9. Independence And After: A Collection Of Speeches, 1946-1949
Decades of struggle culminated in India gaining her independence in 1947. Nehru’s book Independence And After offers an invaluable insight into the years immediately preceding and a few years after this momentous event takes place. Readers get a firsthand account of the transition process that occurs during this period from the perspective of the key figure who took on the monumental responsibility of steering the nation after independence.
Year Of First Publication
1950
Formats Available
Hardcover & Paperback
10. The Unity of India: Collected Writings 1937-1940
Our list of the top 10 Jawaharlal Nehru books would be incomplete without a mention of this literary masterpiece penned by the first Indian Prime Minister! The book deals with the problems Nehru faced as regards to preserving the unity of the nation after independence. The book deals with the question of political unity in free India, and whether it would be possible to safeguard such a union after the withdrawal of the British. He draws a parallel between the nations of America and India, especially regarding the federal nature of the government, and the diverse nature of the states and the people that reside in them. This book explores several issues that independent India faced in her initial years and is just as relevant today as it was then.
Year Of First Publication
1941
Formats Available
Hardcover & Paperback
Must-Read Inspirational Books Penned By Nehru
The above top 10 list of inspirational books by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is a reminder of a time when India was a fledgling nation freed from the shackles of British oppression. We hope that by reading these literary gems, the present and future generations learn to value the rich heritage of this great nation and the price that was paid to secure her freedom.
If you love reading more inspirational books written by renowned personalities, take a look at our article that lists the top 10 best books written by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father Of The Nation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jawaharlal Nehru’s Books
1. Which books should we read on Jawaharlal Nehru?
Jawaharlal Nehru has penned several outstanding literary pieces. The best book to read first would be The Discovery Of India. After that, you can choose any of the other books like The Unity of India, Towards Freedom, Letters From A Father To His Daughter, etc.
2. Which books did Nehru write in jail?
Nehruji was a passionate freedom fighter and his active role in India’s freedom struggle led to frequent prison terms. During this time, he would pen poignant letters and essays that covered a variety of topics, like history, politics, etc. These letters and essays would then be compiled into books and published. The Discovery Of India, Glimpses Of World History, etc. are well-known books penned by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru during his incarceration by British authorities.
3. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru write a book?
Jawaharlal Nehru was an exceptionally gifted statesman with a brilliant oratorship. His speeches were capable of rousing the patriotic sentiments of all those who heard him. Thus, his speeches were collected and made into books that would serve as inspiration to the people of India.