Rebels Against the Raj

December 6, 2021
Brits and Americans who joined India’s struggle against British rule are remembered in this vibrant historical study. Historian Guha (India After Gandhi) profiles seven Westerners who moved to India and participated in its 20th-century independence movement: Annie Besant, a British-born theosophist and leader in the Indian National Congress; Benjamin Guy Horniman, a British pro-independence newspaper editor; Samuel Stokes, an American-born missionary and farmer who converted to Hinduism; Mira Behn, a British-born concert pianist who became Mohandas Gandhi’s ardent ashram disciple—even monitoring his bowel movements—and envoy; Philip Spratt, a Communist organizer from England who drifted from Marxism to Gandhism; Dick Keithahn, an American missionary and organizer; and Catherine Mary Heilemann, another British-born ashram student of Gandhi. Guha gives a lively recap of their exploits—crafting defiant articles and speeches, organizing peasants and workers, sparring with imperial officials, stewing in jail—but at heart their stories are about Anglo-Americans falling in love with Hindu culture and spirituality; with Gandhi, the charismatic “Mahatmaji” whom they revered; or, in some cases, with ordinary people. Guha’s elegantly written group portrait ably conveys the passion and idealism of the Gandhian independence movement and its hold over the Western imagination. Photos.

February 1, 2022
Compelling minibiographies of a group of fighters for Indian independence who were born outside India but were fiercely devoted to the cause. Guha, a Bangalore-based author of multiple books about Gandhi, among other works, compares these seven exemplary individuals to the International Brigade who fought against the Fascists during the Spanish Civil War as well as the "white South Africans who took a stand against apartheid" and fought for "a multiracial democracy." In India, these figures "decisively changed sides, identifying completely with India, meeting Indians on absolutely equal terms as friends and lovers, and as comrades on the street and in prison." Guha weaves into the story of independence the public and private battles of Englishwoman Annie Besant (1847-1943), who embraced theosophy and Indian home rule and, in 1917, was elected president of the Indian National Congress; and Gandhi colleague and journalist Samuel Stokes, a lapsed American missionary who wrote in 1919, "Christianity and Hinduism need each other. The best in each is incomplete without the other." Mira Behn, "Gandhi's adopted daughter," learned traditional weaving and spinning at Gandhi's side and advocated for the educational connection between that work and political freedom. B.G. Horniman, a British-born journalist who became a fearlessly outspoken editor at the Bombay Chronicle, was exiled from India for seven years before returning. In 1946, Sarala Devi (formerly Catherine Mary Heilemann) established a social service-oriented ashram for girls within an extremely conservative society. Dick Keithahn was a displaced American Christian who continued the practices of Gandhi after his death by helping establish a center for rural renewal through education, health care, and agricultural practices. Martin Luther King Jr. visited in 1959 and declared the fight for social justice in India "of inestimable value." As Guha demonstrates, all of these individuals dedicated their lives to the causes for which Gandhi was so passionate. An inspiring education tool for those researching India and nonviolent independence movements.

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February 4, 2022

Told through the lives of seven emigrants from the West who devoted themselves to India, the book offers a novel perspective of India's fight for independence, from early in British rule through holding post-independence rulers to account. Each was drawn to India for various reasons, with some becoming disillusioned with their initial path and instead forging ties with local communities. All had various levels of contact and involvement with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, and often overlapped or had fleeting encounters with each other. While Gandhi plays a large role in each of their lives, the narrative is driven by the individuals' lives and actions. Guha (India After Gandhi) profiles how these immigrants moved to India and adapted to local ways of life, language, and religion. They also accepted consequences (prison terms; deportation; professional ruin) for advocating change they believed in. 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. VERDICT For those looking for a new perspective on India's fight for independence and beyond, and what drives people to devote their life and freedom to a cause not their own.--Zebulin Evelhoch

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