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Gandhi's Assassin

The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India
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( 114 ratings, 17 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Gandhi's Assassin by Dhirendra Jha explores the life of Nathuram Godse, delving into his motivations and the historical context leading to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. It offers a detailed examination of Godse's ideological journey and the political climate of the time, providing insight into a pivotal moment in India's history without revealing specific plot details.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in exploring the complex history and political intrigue surrounding a pivotal moment in India's past. Dive into an in-depth examination of the events leading up to a shocking assassination, with insights into ideological conflicts and personal motivations. If you're fascinated by historical political narratives and nuanced character studies, this book promises a compelling read.

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The life of Nathuram Godse, the man who shot Gandhi

The life of Nathuram Godse, the man who shot Gandhi

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Gandhi's Assassin by Dhirendra Jha is a deeply researched history that places Nathuram Godse's life at the juncture of the dangerous fault lines in contemporary India: the quest for independence and the rise of Hindu nationalism.

On a wintry Delhi evening on 30 January 1948, Nathuram Godse shot Gandhi at point-blank range, forever silencing the man who had delivered independence to his nation. Godse's journey to this moment of international notoriety from small towns in western India is, by turns, both riveting and wrenching. Drawing from previously unpublished archival material, Jha challenges the standard account of Gandhi's assassination, and offers a stunning view on the making of independent India.

Born to Brahmin parents, Godse started off as a child mystic. However, success eluded him. The caste system placed him at the top of society, but the turbulent times meant that he soon became a disaffected youth, desperately seeking a position in the infant nation. In such confusing times, Godse was one of hundreds, and later thousands, of young Indian men to be steered into the sheltering fold of early Hindutva, Indian nationalism. His association with early formations of the RSS and far-right thinkers such as Sarvakar proves that he was not working alone. Today he is considered to be a patriotic hero by many for his act of bravery, despite being found guilty in court and executed in 1948.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

iGandhi's Assassin* by Dhirendra Jha is praised for its thorough analysis of the politics and psychology behind Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. Critics highlight its exploration of the influence of the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha in 1940s India and their links to Nathuram Godse. The book is noted for being a comprehensive account of Gandhi's murder while offering insights into broader political dynamics, making it relevant to understanding contemporary issues.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781804292976

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 January 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Dhirendra K. Jha is a Delhi-based journalist. He is the author of a number of books on India's politics including Shadow Armies: Fringe Organizations and Foot Soldiers of Hindutva.

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