Jawaharlal Nehru - The Last Englishman to Rule India

A Gentle Exit for the British

Nehru’s tenure as a leader during the final years of British rule in India is often portrayed in a sanitized narrative, glossing over a crucial aspect of his political strategy. Contrary to the romanticized view of a determined freedom fighter leading India to independence, Nehru’s actions suggest a different reality. His policies and political decisions during this period seemed more inclined towards ensuring a smooth exit for the British rather than confronting the injustices wrought by colonial rule.

While the Indian subcontinent was on the brink of freedom, Nehru’s diplomatic approach appeared tailored to assuage British concerns and ensure their safe exit from India. This rather convenient “safeguarding” of British interests raises uncomfortable questions about the true nature of his leadership. The British, despite their colonial misdeeds, were allowed to leave with their dignity intact, thanks largely to Nehru’s conciliatory stance.

Nehru’s failure to address and rectify the unjust treatment of Indian soldiers and freedom fighters who had fought against the British is particularly telling. His administration did not vigorously challenge the British policies that had been deeply detrimental to India’s interests. This passive approach, rather than a robust fight for justice, allowed the British to depart without facing any significant consequences for their colonial exploitation.

A Betrayal of Indian Patriots

One of the most glaring examples of Nehru’s failure to stand up for Indian patriots is his lack of support during the infamous Indian National Army (INA) trials. The INA, led by the defiant and patriotic Subhas Chandra Bose, had sought to liberate India from British rule through armed struggle. When the British authorities conducted trials against INA soldiers—Captain Shah Nawaz Khan, Captain P. K. Sahgal, and Lieutenant G. S. Dhillon—who were charged with treason for their efforts to fight the British, the response from Nehru and his contemporaries was notably subdued.

Despite the significance of the INA trials as a symbol of India's struggle for freedom, Nehru and other prominent leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, failed to offer substantial support to these brave soldiers. Their silence during this critical juncture was a betrayal of the very principles they purported to champion. The INA trials became a stark representation of how the newly emerging leadership while claiming to advocate for Indian sovereignty, neglected to defend those who had valiantly fought against colonial oppression.

Nehru’s reluctance to stand firm in support of the INA soldiers can be seen as part of a broader pattern of political expediency. Rather than confronting the British over their treatment of Indian nationalists, Nehru's approach appeared to be one of maintaining a diplomatic balance, even if it meant sacrificing the heroes of the independence movement.

The Englishman’s Policies and Governance

Nehru’s policies and governance during the early years of independent India reflect an approach that, in many ways, continued the British legacy. The bureaucratic apparatus inherited from the British was retained largely intact, with Nehru’s administration showing little inclination to dismantle the colonial structures that were oppressive and exploitative.

The economic and social policies implemented under Nehru’s leadership bore a resemblance to those that had been previously established by the British. His emphasis on centralized planning and state control over major industries mirrored the British practice of maintaining tight control over economic resources. While Nehru's vision was to modernize India, it often reflected a continuation of colonial-era practices rather than a departure from them.

Furthermore, Nehru's approach to dealing with princely states and their integration into the Indian Union was marked by political maneuvering rather than genuine democratic engagement. The consolidation of princely states into India was achieved through a combination of diplomacy and coercion, methods that echoed the colonial practice of maintaining control through a mix of persuasion and force.

The Legacy of Diplomatic Deference

Nehru's diplomatic relations with the British and other Western powers exhibited a degree of deference that suggests a continued alignment with colonial attitudes. His foreign policy often prioritized maintaining good relations with former colonial rulers and other Western nations, sometimes at the expense of pursuing a more assertive and independent stance for India.

In particular, Nehru’s approach to international affairs often involved navigating India’s position within the framework established by Western powers. His alignment with the non-aligned movement, while ostensibly a stance of neutrality, also reflected a strategic positioning that avoided confrontation with Western interests.

In retrospect, Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy as a leader is marred by these critical failures. His role in facilitating a smooth exit for the British, coupled with his inadequate defense of the INA soldiers, paints a less flattering picture of his contributions to India's freedom struggle. The narrative of Nehru as a champion of Indian independence is incomplete without acknowledging these significant shortcomings. As we reflect on the history of India’s transition from colonial rule, it is essential to recognize the complexities and contradictions that defined the era, ensuring a more nuanced understanding of the leaders who shaped the nation’s destiny.