This is a short introduction to the life and ideas of Jawaharlal Nehru, independent India's first prime minister. The approach is biographical. The book traces how Nehru transformed himself from a rich Westernized young man to a radical leader of the Congress. It looks at his relationship with Mahatma Gandhi. This relationship was fraught but he remained loyal to Gandhi and was his chosen successor. This introduction also looks at some of the significant features of his tenure as prime minister and makes an assessment of his contribution to the making of modern India and to democracy in India.