The first Prime Minister of India after independence from British rule, Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was a major architect of India as a nation state. His dedication to politics led to imprisonment, a deeply disturbed family life, and eventually to nearly two decades in power.

This compelling biography depicts the phases of Nehru's life and shows how each phase reflected ongoing developments in Indian politics. Drawing on new sources Judith M. Brown offers the most complete and penetrating account of Nehru yet written. The book also provides an array of insights into the complexity of constructing a new nation state in the aftermath of imperial rule.

'Brown's fine biography shows vividly how much the subcontinent and its first leader have in common.' Philip Ziegler, 'Literary Review'

'an absorbing, scrupulously researched and convincing assessment of one of the most important political figures of the 20th century.' Katherine Frank, 'New Statesman'

'A superb book, Judith Brown catches the spirit of Nehru's times as well as his own tribulations and achievements.' Wm. Roger Louis, University of Texas at Austin

Judith M. Brown is Beit Professor of Commonwealth History, University of Oxford, and professorial fellow of Balliol College, Oxford.