Book description

Beginning with the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885, and concluding with the first years of independence, this is the story of India's struggle for independence, with Gandhi as its central figure. Books in this Seminar Studies in History series consist of a brief "Introduction" and/or "Background" to the subject, valuable in bringing the reader up-to-speed on the area being examined, followed by a substantial and authoritative section of "Analysis" focusing on the main themes and issues. There is a succinct "Assessment" of the subject, a generous selection of "Documents" and a detailed bibliography. The pivotal question posed by the book is how a valued and seemingly permanent imperial possession - the "jewel in the crown" - came to be given its freedom only sixty years after the establishment of the Congress. On the face of it, decolonisation seems to have been the direct result of nationalist pressure, but Ian Copland suggests that the reality was more complex - he gives the full social, political and economic context up to the transfer of power in 1947. Helpful features include a biographical guide to the main protagonists and a chronological outline of the main events Readers interested in the history of India, history of Imperialism or British history.

About the Author

Associate Professor Ian Copland is the Director of Monash University's Centre of South Asian Studies.

Borrow it: Monash University Library members can borrow this book.  View the catalogue record for details.

Buy it: This book can be purchased online from amazon.com

Other publications by Monash staff