Gandhi's Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India

Dhirendra Jha's book explores Nathuram Godse's life, highlighting the intersection of independence, Hindu nationalism, and the quest for a position in the emerging Indian nation. Born into a Brahmin family, Godse became a disaffected youth seeking a place in the nation. He was associated with early Hindutva organizations and far-right thinkers, and his act of shooting Gandhi is seen as a patriotic hero despite his conviction and execution in 1949.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

Nathuram Godse, a pivotal figure in India's history, emerges as the intersection of dangerous fault lines in contemporary India. His life story, meticulously researched by Dhirendra Jha, sheds light on the quest for independence and the rise of Hindu nationalism.

On a chilly evening in Delhi on January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse took Gandhi's life, silencing the man who had brought independence to his nation. Godse's journey to this moment of global infamy, from his humble beginnings in western India, is a tale of both intrigue and emotional turmoil. Jha, through the use of previously unpublished archival material, challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Gandhi's assassination and provides a captivating perspective on the formation of independent India.

Born into a Brahmin family, Godse embarked on a spiritual journey as a child mystic. However, success seemed elusive, as the caste system confined him to the highest social strata, yet the tumultuous times left him disillusioned and yearning for a role in the nascent nation. In the midst of this confusion, Godse found solace in the early Hindutva movement, a precursor to Indian nationalism. His association with the RSS and far-right thinkers like Sarvakar indicates that he was not operating in isolation. Today, he is revered as a patriotic hero by many for his courageous act, despite being convicted and executed in 1949.

Godse's life and actions continue to be a subject of debate and discussion, shaping India's complex historical narrative. His role as a catalyst for independence and his alignment with Hindu nationalism have profound implications for the country's political and social landscape. As India continues to evolve, his story serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of its history and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 140 x 211 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804292976