Gandhi and India

I purchased this book for some background information in preparation for a trip to India and it was well worth it. The subject matter is broader than the title suggests. Beginning with a brief overview of the country's geography, climate and origins, the author gives a relatively in-depth description of the colonial period, the struggle for independence, and of course Ghandi's life. The story doesn't stop there, but continues after his assination with Nehru, Indira Ghandi and modern times. The story of Indira is especially interesting--to quell social and political unrest she established herself as dictator in 1975, but unlike a dictator let free elections proceed two years later and lost. The governing coalition fell apart and she was re-elected as Prime Minister, staying in office until her assasination in 1984. Interestingly, when I visited Delhi, the shrine at Gandhi's house and the adjoining garden where he was assasinated were almost empty, while lines of Indian people wound around the block to gain admittance to the Indira Gandhi memorial park. Sprinkled throughout the book are short pieces on topics relevant to modern India such as the caste system, Hindu-Muslim conflict, language, etc., as well as many fascinating historical photos. Highly recommended!