THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN UNKNOWN INDIAN

by Nirad C. Chaudhuri ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 30, 1951

Through the chronicle of his life, Mr. Chaudhuri, an Indian writer and journalist and resident of Calcutta, mingles the growth and changes of India's politics, societies, national feelings with those of his own personality. It is a serious and introspective narrative and historical testimony. Born at the end of the last century in East Bengal, Mr. Chaudhuri describes first his birthplace, the ancestral village of his family, and his mother's village. From his sojourn in England he goes on to an account of his family with some sidelights on Hindu-Muslim political action of the times. His growth to manhood and student days in Calcutta pave the way for his consideration of Indian nationalism, for example, his thoughts on the struggles between the conservative and liberal forces in Hinduism and Tagore's work for the Liberals, his own entrance into journalism, and a discussion of the course of Indian history. He is of course an idealist and in favour of an ultimately free and united India. At times many of the long, detailed biographical passages are tough sledding, but the whole is reminiscent of a work like Vincent Sheean's Personal History and does contain some pithy material. Limited audience.

Pub Date: Oct. 30, 1951

ISBN: 094032282X

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1951

Categories: NONFICTION