Motilal Nehru, Indian lawyer and politician, President of the Indian National Congress (b. 1861)

Motilal Nehru: A Pillar of India's Independence Movement

Motilal Nehru (6 May 1861 – 6 February 1931) was a towering figure in India's struggle for independence, renowned as an eminent Indian lawyer, a fervent activist, and a prominent politician within the Indian National Congress. His life spanned a critical period of the British Raj, during which he transitioned from a highly successful legal career to becoming a pivotal leader in the burgeoning nationalist movement.

Early Life and Distinguished Legal Career

Born into an affluent Kashmiri Brahmin family in Agra, Motilal Nehru received a comprehensive education, eventually qualifying as a barrister. He established a highly successful legal practice in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), gaining widespread acclaim for his sharp intellect, persuasive arguments, and meticulous attention to detail. His legal acumen not only brought him considerable wealth and a reputation as one of the country's leading lawyers but also a deep understanding of the colonial legal system, which he later leveraged effectively in his political endeavors.

Political Evolution and Role in the Indian National Congress

Motilal Nehru's entry into politics was marked by a gradual yet profound shift from a moderate stance to an unyielding commitment to Indian self-rule. He initially joined the Indian National Congress, which was then a relatively nascent political organization. His political involvement deepened significantly, especially after the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, an event that profoundly impacted his views on British rule and solidified his resolve for complete independence. He became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played an instrumental role in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience. In a remarkable act of dedication to the freedom struggle, he famously abandoned his lucrative legal practice, embracing a life of full-time political activism and personal sacrifice.

Key Contributions and Presidencies

Motilal Nehru's leadership capabilities and dedication were recognized through his election as President of the Indian National Congress on two crucial occasions, each marking a significant juncture in the nationalist movement:

• From 1919 to 1920, he presided over a period of intense national awakening, immediately following the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. During his tenure, the Congress adopted a more assertive and non-cooperative stance against British policies, laying the groundwork for future mass movements.
• His second term, from 1928 to 1929, was particularly significant for his role in chairing the committee that drafted the 'Nehru Report' in 1928. This groundbreaking document was a comprehensive constitutional blueprint for an independent India, proposing Dominion Status and advocating for fundamental rights, adult suffrage, and a secular state. It represented the first major Indian-led initiative to define the future governance of the nation, challenging the British to meet India's aspirations.

Patriarch of a Political Dynasty

Motilal Nehru is revered as the patriarch of the influential Nehru-Gandhi family, a lineage that has played a central and enduring role in shaping independent India's political landscape. He was the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, who would go on to become India's first Prime Minister, serving from 1947 to 1964. The intellectual and politically charged environment fostered by Motilal at their ancestral home, Anand Bhavan in Allahabad (Prayagraj), profoundly influenced Jawaharlal's formative years and commitment to public service, laying the groundwork for India's post-independence democratic foundations. His vision and sacrifices paved the way for future generations of leaders from his family to guide the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motilal Nehru

Who was Motilal Nehru?

Motilal Nehru was a prominent Indian lawyer, a dedicated activist, and a significant political leader of the Indian National Congress, playing a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

When did Motilal Nehru serve as Congress President?

He served as the President of the Indian National Congress twice: first from 1919 to 1920, and again from 1928 to 1929.

What was the significance of the 'Nehru Report'?

The 'Nehru Report' of 1928, chaired by Motilal Nehru, was a landmark constitutional draft proposed by Indians. It outlined a framework for Dominion Status for India, advocating for fundamental rights, universal adult suffrage, and a parliamentary system, representing a major step towards defining India's self-governance.

What was Motilal Nehru's relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru?

Motilal Nehru was the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, who later became the first Prime Minister of independent India. Their family forms the patriarchal foundation of the influential Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, which has significantly shaped India's modern history.

What motivated Motilal Nehru to join the freedom struggle?

Initially a successful lawyer, Motilal Nehru's political involvement intensified following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This event, coupled with Mahatma Gandhi's call for non-cooperation, prompted him to abandon his lucrative legal practice and dedicate himself fully to the nationalist movement.