Who wrote the book, "Glimpses of World History"?
VerifiedAnswer: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation:
"Glimpses of World History" is a remarkable book written by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who later became India's first Prime Minister. This extraordinary work was born out of a father's love for his daughter and his desire to educate her about world history while he was imprisoned during India's freedom struggle.
The book was originally written as a series of 196 letters that Nehru penned to his daughter Indira Gandhi (then Indira Nehru) between 1930-1933, while he was serving various prison sentences for his participation in the Indian independence movement. These letters were written during his imprisonment in Ahmednagar Fort and other jails, where he had limited access to reference materials, yet managed to create this comprehensive overview of world history.
What makes this book special is its unique perspective on world history. Nehru didn't just chronicle events; he presented history as an interconnected story of human civilization. He covered topics ranging from ancient civilizations, the rise and fall of empires, religious movements, scientific discoveries, and social changes across different continents and time periods.
The book was first published in 1934 and became incredibly popular not just in India but worldwide. It demonstrates Nehru's vast knowledge, his ability to synthesize complex historical information, and his skill as a writer. Despite being written in prison with limited resources, the work showcases his remarkable memory and understanding of global affairs.
One of the most striking aspects of "Glimpses of World History" is how Nehru managed to maintain an optimistic and educational tone despite writing from prison. He wanted to inspire his daughter and future generations to understand that history is not just about memorizing dates and events, but about understanding the progress of human civilization and learning from both its achievements and mistakes.
The book remains relevant today as it provides insights into Nehru's worldview and his understanding of international relations, which later influenced his policies as Prime Minister. It also serves as an excellent introduction to world history for students and general readers, written in an accessible and engaging style that makes complex historical concepts easy to understand.
