Nehru's books

Jawaharlal Nehru was not only a politician but also a writer. His books are still read to understand history and India. Remarkably, his three biggest books were written in prison. During the freedom struggle Nehru spent about nine years in jail in all.

Letters from a Father to His Daughter

In 1928 Nehru wrote about 30 letters to his 10-year-old daughter Indira. They tell, in very simple language, how the Earth was formed, how life began and how human civilisation developed. It is considered the simplest book for sparking children's curiosity about science and history. Its Hindi translation was done by Premchand.

Glimpses of World History

Between 1930 and 1933, while in prison, Nehru wrote about 200 letters to Indira containing the history of the whole world. They were published as "Glimpses of World History". What makes it special is that it looks at world history not from Europe's point of view but from that of Asia and India. It is very useful for students.

An Autobiography

This is Nehru's autobiography, written in prison in 1934–35 and published in 1936. It covers his childhood, his studies in England, his time with Gandhiji and his experiences in the freedom struggle. It is an important book for understanding the freedom movement from the inside, through a leader's own eyes.

The Discovery of India

After the Quit India Movement of 1942, Nehru was held in Ahmednagar Fort prison. There, in 1944, he wrote "The Discovery of India", published in 1946. It traces India's journey from the Indus Valley Civilisation to modern times. It is still read to understand India's culture, philosophy and diversity.

Bharat Ek Khoj

In 1988 the noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal made "Bharat Ek Khoj", a 53-episode serial based on "The Discovery of India", shown on Doordarshan. It is counted among the finest serials in Indian television.

For anyone interested in history, or preparing for competitive exams, these books can be a good place to start. They also show how a political leader used long years of imprisonment to read, think and write.