Jawaharlal Nehru - First Prime Minister of India

Overview

Jawaharlal Nehru stands as one of the most influential figures in modern Indian history, serving as the nation’s first Prime Minister from 1947 until his death in 1964. Born into privilege in Allahabad on November 14, 1889, Nehru transformed from a Western-educated barrister into a passionate anti-colonial nationalist who dedicated his life to India’s freedom struggle. Alongside Mahatma Gandhi, he became a principal leader of the Indian independence movement during the crucial decades of the 1930s and 1940s, enduring multiple imprisonments by the British authorities.

As Prime Minister of independent India, Nehru’s vision powerfully shaped the trajectory of the newly formed nation. He championed parliamentary democracy, establishing robust democratic institutions and processes that have endured for over seven decades. His commitment to secularism helped forge a unified nation from incredible religious and cultural diversity. Nehru promoted scientific temper and technological advancement, establishing premier scientific institutions and positioning science as central to national development. His famous characterization of large dams and modern infrastructure as “temples of modern India” reflected his modernist vision.

In international affairs, Nehru crafted an independent foreign policy during the height of the Cold War, steering India away from both Western and Soviet blocs. He became a leading voice in the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating for world peace and the interests of newly independent nations. Beyond politics, Nehru was a distinguished author whose works—including “The Discovery of India,” “An Autobiography,” and “Letters from a Father to His Daughter”—have been read globally and continue to provide insights into his worldview and the freedom struggle. His legacy remains complex and contested, but his fundamental impact on shaping modern India is undeniable.

Early Life

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in the North-Western Provinces of British India. He came from an affluent Kashmiri Brahmin family that had settled in the city. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a renowned barrister and a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress who would later become its president. His mother, Swarup Rani Nehru, came from a well-established Kashmiri family. Jawaharlal was the eldest of three children and the only son, growing up with sisters Vijaya Lakshmi and Krishna.

The Nehru household, known as Anand Bhawan, was one of the grandest residences in Allahabad, reflecting the family’s wealth and social status. Young Jawaharlal grew up in an atmosphere of privilege and refinement, with English tutors and governesses providing his early education at home. The cosmopolitan environment of Anand Bhawan exposed him to both Indian traditions and Western ideas from an early age.

At the age of fifteen, Nehru was sent to England for his education, enrolling at Harrow School in 1905, one of Britain’s most prestigious public schools. After two years at Harrow, he proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied natural sciences, graduating in 1910. He then trained as a barrister at the Inner Temple in London, qualifying for the bar in 1912. During these formative years in England, Nehru was exposed to Fabian socialism, liberal political thought, and the intellectual currents sweeping through early 20th-century Europe.

Returning to India in 1912, Nehru enrolled as an advocate of the Allahabad High Court. However, he found little interest in legal practice and was increasingly drawn toward the nationalist movement that was gathering momentum across India. His privileged education in England had given him a cosmopolitan outlook, yet his return to colonial India awakened in him a deep sense of the injustices of British rule.

Entry into Politics and Rise to Prominence

Nehru’s political awakening came gradually after his return to India. In 1916, he married Kamala Kaul, who came from a Kashmiri family settled in Delhi. Their only child, Indira, was born in 1917 and would later become Prime Minister herself. The same year, 1916, marked a crucial turning point in Nehru’s life when he met Mahatma Gandhi at the annual session of the Indian National Congress in Lucknow. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance and his genuine connection with India’s masses deeply influenced the young Nehru.

Under Gandhi’s mentorship, Nehru became increasingly involved in the freedom struggle. He participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22, his first major involvement in mass politics. This experience transformed Nehru from an English-educated elite into a mass leader willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the cause of independence. He was arrested for the first time in 1921 during the Non-Cooperation Movement, the first of many imprisonments he would endure over the following decades.

Throughout the 1920s, Nehru emerged as one of the most dynamic leaders of the Congress. He traveled extensively across India, witnessing firsthand the poverty and suffering of the masses under colonial rule. These experiences, combined with his exposure to socialist ideas, shaped his political ideology. He became convinced that India’s independence must be accompanied by fundamental social and economic transformation to address poverty and inequality.

In 1929, Nehru was elected President of the Indian National Congress at its Lahore session, a position his father had held before him. Under his presidency, the Congress adopted the goal of Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on January 26, 1930, a date that would later become India’s Republic Day. This marked a decisive shift from demanding dominion status to demanding complete independence from British rule.

Leadership of the Freedom Movement

During the 1930s and 1940s, Nehru became one of the foremost leaders of India’s independence movement, second only to Gandhi in influence and popular appeal. His charisma, eloquence, and ability to articulate the aspirations of millions made him the voice of young, radical nationalism in India. He participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-31, facing imprisonment multiple times for his activities.

Between 1921 and 1945, Nehru spent over nine years in British jails. Rather than breaking his spirit, these imprisonments became periods of intense intellectual activity. He read voraciously and wrote extensively during his incarcerations. His major literary works emerged from these prison years: “An Autobiography” (1936) chronicled his life and political development, while “The Discovery of India” (1946), written in Ahmednagar Fort prison, presented his vision of Indian history, culture, and civilization.

Nehru served as Congress President multiple times during this period and was the key architect of the party’s policy positions on crucial issues. He strongly advocated for secular nationalism, opposing both British imperialism and communal politics. His vision of India as a modern, secular, democratic nation found expression in numerous speeches and writings that inspired millions of Indians.

During World War II, Nehru opposed the British decision to involve India in the war without consulting Indian leaders. He participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942, which demanded an immediate end to British rule. This led to his longest period of imprisonment, from 1942 to 1945, during which his wife Kamala’s death in 1936 had already dealt him a personal blow from which he never fully recovered.

Role in Independence and Partition

As World War II ended and British withdrawal from India became inevitable, Nehru played a central role in the complex negotiations that led to independence. He worked closely with Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, and other Congress leaders during the final months of British rule. However, the joy of independence was tempered by the tragedy of Partition, which divided British India into two nations—India and Pakistan—accompanied by unprecedented communal violence and mass migration.

Nehru was deeply opposed to Partition but ultimately accepted it as the only way to achieve independence without prolonged conflict. The traumatic events of 1947, including the assassination of his beloved mentor Gandhi in January 1948, profoundly affected him. Yet even in this dark hour, Nehru worked tirelessly to restore peace, rehabilitate refugees, and establish the foundations of the new nation.

On August 15, 1947, as India achieved independence, Nehru delivered his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech to the Constituent Assembly. His stirring words—“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom”—captured the historic significance of the moment and articulated the hopes and aspirations of a newly independent nation.

Prime Ministership: Building Modern India

Nehru served as India’s first Prime Minister from August 15, 1947, until his death on May 27, 1964—a tenure of nearly seventeen years that fundamentally shaped modern India. He held this position continuously, winning three general elections (1952, 1957, and 1962) with commanding majorities, demonstrating his enduring popularity despite various challenges and criticisms.

Establishing Democratic Institutions

One of Nehru’s most significant achievements was establishing and nurturing democratic institutions in newly independent India. He was instrumental in the work of the Constituent Assembly that drafted India’s Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. While Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, Nehru’s vision of a secular, democratic republic profoundly influenced the Constitution’s character.

Nehru established strong precedents for parliamentary democracy, respecting constitutional boundaries and ensuring civilian control over the military. He maintained a vibrant and free press, allowed opposition parties to function freely, and ensured regular elections. These practices, though sometimes taken for granted today, were revolutionary in a newly independent nation emerging from colonial rule.

Secularism and National Integration

Nehru was a passionate advocate of secularism, believing that India’s diversity was its strength and that the state must remain neutral in matters of religion. In the aftermath of Partition’s communal violence, he worked to build a secular nation where all religions would be treated equally. Despite his own Hindu background, he frequently criticized communalism and religious obscurantism, often facing opposition from conservative elements.

His commitment to secularism was tested repeatedly, particularly during communal riots, but he remained steadfast in his vision of a united, secular India. This approach helped integrate India’s diverse religious communities into a unified national framework, though tensions persisted.

Economic Policies and Planning

Nehru adopted a mixed economy model for India’s economic development, combining elements of socialism with private enterprise. He believed in state-led industrialization and established a comprehensive planning framework through Five-Year Plans modeled partly on Soviet planning. The Planning Commission, established in 1950, became the key institution for directing economic development.

He emphasized heavy industries, establishing steel plants, dams, power stations, and modern infrastructure that he famously called “temples of modern India.” Major projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam symbolized his vision of modernization through science and technology. However, agriculture received less attention, and consumer goods industries were sometimes neglected in favor of heavy industry.

His economic policies remain controversial, with critics arguing that excessive state control stifled growth and entrepreneurship, while supporters credit him with building India’s industrial base and infrastructure. The economic challenges of the 1960s, including food shortages and inflation, led to increasing criticism of his economic model.

Scientific Temper and Education

Nehru had a deep faith in science and rational thinking. He established numerous scientific institutions, including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He initiated India’s nuclear program, though for peaceful purposes, establishing the Atomic Energy Commission with Homi Bhabha.

He expanded educational opportunities, particularly higher education, though primary education remained inadequate in many areas. His emphasis on scientific education and research laid foundations that would help India emerge as a technological power in later decades.

Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment

In international affairs, Nehru crafted an independent foreign policy during the Cold War’s height. He was a key architect of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to keep newly independent nations outside the American and Soviet blocs. Along with leaders like Egypt’s Nasser and Yugoslavia’s Tito, he advocated for world peace, disarmament, and the interests of developing nations.

India under Nehru played a prominent role in international forums, supporting decolonization movements worldwide and advocating for racial equality. He opposed military alliances and nuclear proliferation, though he supported India’s nuclear research program. His principle of Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence), developed during negotiations with China, articulated his vision of international relations.

However, his foreign policy faced significant challenges. The 1962 war with China, which resulted in a humiliating defeat for India, was a personal and national trauma that deeply affected his final years. His handling of the Kashmir issue and relations with Pakistan remained contentious throughout his tenure.

Personal Life and Character

Nehru was known for his sophisticated persona, intellectual depth, and aristocratic bearing. He typically wore a distinctive long coat (now known as a “Nehru jacket”), often with a fresh rose in the buttonhole. Despite his privileged background, he developed a genuine connection with India’s masses, who affectionately called him “Panditji” or “Chacha Nehru” (Uncle Nehru).

His relationship with his daughter Indira, particularly after his wife’s death, was close though sometimes complicated. His letters to her, compiled in “Letters from a Father to His Daughter,” reveal his pedagogical instincts and his desire to educate her about world history and Indian culture. Indira would serve as his hostess in official functions and eventually became his political protégé.

Nehru was a voracious reader with wide-ranging intellectual interests. He wrote eloquently in English and was considered one of the finest prose stylists of his generation. His autobiography and historical writings remain important literary works beyond their political significance. He loved children, and his birthday (November 14) is celebrated as Children’s Day in India.

Despite his public image, Nehru could be imperious and impatient with criticism. His dominance over the Congress party and government led some to criticize his democratic credentials, though he never attempted to establish authoritarian rule. His personal magnetism and political skill made him virtually irreplaceable in his lifetime, which some argue weakened the development of alternative leadership.

Challenges and Controversies

Nehru’s long tenure was marked by several significant challenges and controversies. The integration of princely states into India was largely achieved through the efforts of Sardar Patel, but Nehru played a crucial role in the process. However, his handling of Kashmir, including the decision to take the issue to the United Nations, remains controversial.

His economic policies faced increasing criticism, particularly as problems like food shortages and inflation emerged in the 1960s. The emphasis on heavy industry at the expense of agriculture and consumer goods led to imbalances. The pace of land reforms and poverty alleviation was slower than promised.

The 1962 war with China was a devastating blow to Nehru personally and to India’s international standing. His policy of “Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers) appeared naive in retrospect. The military was unprepared for the Chinese offensive, and the rapid defeat shocked the nation. Nehru never fully recovered from this setback, and it contributed to his declining health.

His relationship with some Congress leaders, particularly the conservative old guard, was sometimes strained. His dominance led to weak opposition both within the party and in Parliament. Critics argue this prevented the emergence of robust political alternatives and contributed to the Congress party’s later decline.

Later Years and Death

Nehru’s health began to decline after the 1962 China war. He suffered a stroke in January 1964 but continued working despite medical advice. His final public appearance was on May 24, 1964, at a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party. On May 27, 1964, he suffered a severe heart attack and died later that day in New Delhi at the age of 74.

His death marked the end of an era in Indian politics. The nation mourned its first Prime Minister with genuine grief. He was cremated at Shantivan on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, where a memorial stands today. According to his wishes, his ashes were scattered in various rivers across India, with a portion thrown from an airplane over the Himalayas.

The succession crisis following his death revealed the weakness of not having groomed clear alternative leadership. Eventually, Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded him as Prime Minister, though Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi would eventually become Prime Minister herself in 1966.

Legacy

Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy is vast, complex, and continues to be debated. He is widely credited with establishing democratic institutions and traditions that have enabled India to remain a functioning democracy for over seven decades—a remarkable achievement in a region marked by military coups and authoritarian regimes. His commitment to secularism helped maintain India’s unity despite its religious diversity.

His vision of modern India, emphasizing science, technology, and rational thinking, laid foundations that contributed to India’s later emergence as a technological power. The educational and scientific institutions he established continue to produce world-class talent. His emphasis on self-reliance and strategic autonomy continues to influence Indian foreign policy.

However, critics point to his economic policies’ mixed results, arguing that excessive state control and socialist planning inhibited growth and kept India poor longer than necessary. His handling of Kashmir, China relations, and some domestic issues remains controversial. Some argue his dominance prevented the development of alternative leadership and weakened democratic institutions he claimed to promote.

Nehru’s personal reputation has also been subject to revisionist interpretations, with controversies regarding his relationship with Edwina Mountbatten and questions about his political decisions. Contemporary political debates often invoke his legacy, with different parties claiming or rejecting aspects of his vision.

Despite controversies, Nehru remains one of modern India’s most consequential figures. His writings continue to be read, and his ideas about secularism, democracy, and scientific temper remain relevant. Teen Murti Bhavan, his former residence in New Delhi, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Numerous institutions, from Jawaharlal Nehru University to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, bear his name.

His birthday, November 14, is celebrated as Children’s Day throughout India, reflecting his love for children and their affection for “Chacha Nehru.” He received numerous international honors, including membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is remembered globally as one of the 20th century’s significant statesmen.

Nehru’s complex legacy continues to shape debates about India’s past, present, and future. Whether celebrated or criticized, his fundamental impact on independent India’s trajectory remains undeniable. He helped transform a colonial dependency into a sovereign democratic republic, established institutions that endure, and articulated a vision of India that, despite many challenges and setbacks, continues to inspire and provoke debate.

Timeline

See Also

• Indian Independence Movement
• Indian National Congress
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Indira Gandhi
• Motilal Nehru
• Partition of India
• Non-Aligned Movement
• Constituent Assembly of India