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Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India's Freedom
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About This Book
An extraordinary history of resistance and the fight for Indian independence—the little-known story of seven foreigners to India who joined the movement fighting for freedom from British colonial rule. Rebels Against the Raj tells the story of seven people who chose to struggle for a country other than their own: foreigners to India who across the late 19th to late 20th century arrived to join the freedom movement fighting for independence from British colonial rule. Of the seven, four were British, two American, and one Irish. Four men, three women. Before and after being jailed or deported they did remarkable and pioneering work in a variety of fields: journalism, social reform, education, the emancipation of women, environmentalism. This book tells their stories, each renegade motivated by idealism and genuine sacrifice; each connected to Gandhi, though some as acolytes where others found endless infuriation in his views; each understanding they would likely face prison sentences for their resistance, and likely live and die in India; each one leaving a profound impact on the region in which they worked, their legacies continuing through the institutions they founded and the generations and individuals they inspired. Through these entwined lives, wonderfully told by one of the world's finest historians, we reach deep insights into relations between India and the West, and India's story as a country searching for its identity and liberty beyond British colonial rule.
Reviews
"Guha has done well to remind us of these forgotten stories, all the more as India, like much of the world, is becoming more xenophobic and intolerant, believing all the virtues lie within national frontier."
"Guha makes plain his admiration for these seven 'white-skinned heroes and heroines of India's past,' as he describes them."
"Guha, however, sees something special in the willingness of these disparate individuals to live their adult lives in and for India ..."
"An inspiring education tool for those researching India and nonviolent independence movements."
"It will be helpful for context and geography if readers of Guha's book have some background knowledge of India and its struggle for independence, though isn't necessary ..."
"Guha gives a lively recap of their exploits...but at heart their stories are about Anglo-Americans falling in love with Hindu culture and spirituality ..."
"In an age of bigotry and narrow nationalisms, Ramachandra Guha's new book is a welcome reminder that people's opinions, passions and life's work do not have to be dictated by their ethnic identities or their countries of birth ..."
"Guha's previous works have distinguished him as an exceptional chronicler of India's modern history."
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