In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the societal structure that emerged over time, focusing on the roles of peasants, kings, and priests. He highlights how peasants and laborers, though crucial for food production, were marginalized and received very little for their efforts, while kings and landlords, who held power, took a large share of their produce.

Nehru then explores the origins of religion, pointing out that early humans, out of fear and ignorance, created gods to explain the unknown. Temples were built for these gods, and people used images of animals or half-human creatures, often ugly and frightening, to represent them. This reflected their belief that gods were powerful and to be feared.

The priests, being more educated and literate than others, gained significant influence. They not only performed religious duties but also became advisers to kings, doctors, and the keepers of knowledge. People considered them magicians because of their tricks and knowledge, and they relied on them in times of trouble. Though the priests often misled the people, they also helped them progress.
Nehru concludes by noting that, in some societies, priests initially governed before kings took over, as kings were better fighters. In some places, like Egypt, kings (Pharaohs) were considered both rulers and gods.

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the importance of studying history not just as a series of battles and the lives of kings but as a way to understand how people lived, thought, and faced challenges. He emphasizes that learning from the past can help us in the present.Nehru then shifts to discussing the social classes that existed in ancient times. He explains how, as societies developed, people began doing different types of work, leading to a division of labor. 

This division gave rise to different classes, such as the ruling class, priests, merchants, artisans, and peasants. He highlights that the ruling and managing classes gained more power and wealth, often at the expense of the working classes. Overall, Nehru shows how understanding the roles and lives of these various classes can help us understand society better and reflect on whether humanity has progressed or not.

Letter 23 | Language, Writing, and Numerals (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Nehru explores the origins and evolution of language, writing, and numerals. He begins by explaining how language may have started with simple cries of fear or warning, similar to the way animals communicate. Early humans likely developed basic words and labour cries when working together. Gradually, language evolved from single words to more complex sentences.

Nehru also touches on how, during early civilizations, language had already advanced, with songs and ballads being popular forms of communication. Bards and singers recited tales of heroism, reflecting society's focus on battle and bravery.

He discusses the origin of writing, which likely began as pictures representing objects. Over time, these pictures became simpler, leading to the development of alphabets. The invention of numerals was equally transformative, especially for business. Nehru explains the transition from Roman numerals to the more efficient "Arabic numerals," which were actually developed by Indians.

Overall, Nehru highlights the creativity and progress of early humans in developing systems of communication and counting.

 

In this letter, Nehru discusses the importance of sea voyages and trade in ancient times, focusing on the Phoenicians, an ancient people from the Mediterranean coast. He describes how early boats, likely simple hollowed tree trunks with oars and sails, were used for adventurous and often dangerous sea travel. These voyages, though perilous, were driven largely by the desire for trade and wealth.

Nehru then explains the evolution of trade, which began with simple bartering between tribes, where goods were exchanged directly, such as cows for grain. Later, gold and silver were used as a medium of exchange, simplifying trade. This development eventually led to the use of coins, further easing trade and commerce. He emphasizes the complex nature of modern trade, with goods traveling vast distances across countries, and contrasts this with the inefficiencies of sending Indian cotton to England for manufacturing and then importing the finished cloth back to India. Nehru advocates for using locally made products, like khadi, to support domestic industries and reduce dependence on foreign goods. In the end, Nehru reflects on the role of money, explaining that it is merely a tool for exchanging goods, and highlights the folly of those who hoard wealth without understanding its purpose.

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru discusses the early civilizations of China and India. He explains that around the same time as the rise of civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, advanced cultures were also developing in China and India. In China, Mongolian settlers thrived along river valleys, creating beautiful bronze vessels and constructing canals and buildings. They developed a unique form of picture-based writing, which remains in use today, unlike similar ancient scripts from Egypt and Babylon.

Nehru also mentions India's early civilization, predating the Aryan arrival, and highlights the Dravidians, who had a rich culture and traded goods like rice, spices, teak wood, and gold with Mesopotamia and Egypt. Trade, Nehru notes, is a hallmark of civilization.

Both China and India were originally composed of small city-states, many of which functioned as republics with elected governments rather than kings. In China, these states eventually unified into an empire, during which the Great Wall was built to protect against invasions. Nehru emphasizes the enormous scale of the Great Wall and its lasting presence as a symbol of Chinese strength and resilience.

In this letter, Nehru explains about ancient civilizations in Egypt and Crete, focusing on their culture, architecture, and beliefs.

He begins by describing the impressive structures in Egypt, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx. The pyramids were tombs for the Pharaohs, who were buried with treasures for their afterlife. Nehru mentions the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb and the mummies, preserved bodies of the Pharaohs. He also highlights the advanced engineering skills of the Egyptians, who built canals and lakes for irrigation.

Then he writes about Crete, an island in the Mediterranean, and talks about its ancient civilization. He describes the palace at Knossos, which had advanced features like water pipes and beautiful artwork. He also mentions myths associated with Crete, such as the story of King Minos and the Minotaur, a creature that supposedly received human sacrifices. He uses these stories to explain how early religion and human sacrifices often stemmed from fear and ignorance.

In the end, Nehru expresses relief that such sacrifices are mostly a thing of the past, although animal sacrifices still occur in some places. He emphasizes that worshipping through such violence is a strange way to show devotion.

 In this letter Jawaharlal Nehru explains how ancient civilizations often developed along the banks of rivers, where water and fertile land were abundant. He mentions famous old cities like Babylon, Nineveh, and Asur in Mesopotamia, which no longer exist, having been buried under layers of sand and dust over thousands of years. Nehru describes how these cities became deserted, were covered by sand, and forgotten, only to have new cities built over them. He reflects on the cyclical nature of history, where cities rise, flourish, and eventually fall into ruin, with new cities taking their place. He contrasts this with the city of Damascus in Syria, which is still thriving and possibly the oldest city in the world. Nehru also mentions ancient Indian cities like Indraprastha, near Delhi, which no longer exists, and Kashi (Benares), which is still one of the oldest surviving cities. He notes that many great Indian cities, like those in China, were also built along rivers.

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru shifts focus from discussing patriarchs and kings to exploring early civilizations and the people who lived during those times. He mentions that, although we know more about these early civilizations than about the prehistoric Paleolithic and Neolithic man, our knowledge is still limited. However, the ruins of ancient buildings, temples, and palaces provide insights into the lives, customs, and cultures of those early people.

Nehru discusses the concept of ancient civilizations, including the speculative idea of Atlantis, a highly advanced society supposedly swallowed by the Atlantic Ocean. While there is no evidence to support this, he acknowledges the possibility of early civilizations in the Americas, referencing ancient ruins in Mexico (Yukatan) and Peru. He then turns to early civilizations in Eurasia, particularly Mesopotamia, Egypt, Crete, India, and China. Nehru emphasizes the importance of water in the establishment of these civilizations, noting that early settlers chose to live near rivers, which provided the necessary water for agriculture. Rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Ganges, and Jumna were crucial for food production, leading people to revere them as sacred and holy. Nehru underscores that the worship of rivers like the Nile and Ganges stemmed from their essential role in sustaining life, though people often forget the practical reasons behind such reverence.

Letter 17 | The Patriarch Becomes a King (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Nehru explains how patriarchs evolved into kings. He describes patriarchs as the leaders or "fathers" of their tribes, with their authority often passed down from father to son, eventually leading to the emergence of kings. Over time, these kings began to believe they owned everything in their country and ruled with absolute power, forgetting their role as servants of the people. Nehru mentions the concept of the "divine right of kings," where rulers claimed that their authority came from God. He highlights historical revolutions in England, France, and Russia where people overthrew their kings due to their oppressive rule.

Nehru contrasts countries that have abolished kings and become republics, where leaders are elected by the people, with places like India, where Rajas and Maharajas still exist. These Indian rulers, he says, continue to live in luxury by taxing the people, much like the old kings, and neglect the needs of their subjects. Nehru stresses that these leaders misuse public funds for their own pleasure, leaving their people to suffer without basic necessities like schools and hospitals.

Letter 16 | The Patriarch - How He Developed (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter the evolution of ownership and leadership within early human tribes. Initially, everything in the tribe was shared among all members, including the leader, or patriarch. The patriarch was primarily an organizer, with no special ownership of the tribe's goods. However, as the patriarch's power grew, he began to see the tribe's property as his own. Over time, leadership became hereditary, passed from one family member to another, and the idea of personal ownership emerged. This shift led to the division of society into rich and poor, as the patriarch's family began to claim more for themselves. Nehru concludes by indicating that he will continue discussing this topic in his next letter.

In this letter titled "The Patriarch—How He Began," Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter, Indira, the origins of kings and leadership within early societies. He begins by acknowledging the complexity of life and how it contrasts with simpler times. Nehru explains that as tribes formed and agriculture emerged, there was a need for someone to organize work and lead the tribe, especially during battles. This leader was often the oldest and most experienced member, known as the patriarch.

Initially, the patriarch was similar to the other tribe members, sharing in the work and resources. However, as society became more complex, especially due to agriculture, the patriarch took on more organizational responsibilities, gradually distancing himself from manual labor. Over time, this led to a division of labor, with the patriarch and other organizers gaining power over ordinary workers. This marked the beginning of social hierarchies and the evolution of leadership, eventually leading to the concept of kingship. Nehru promises to delve deeper into the development of the patriarch in his next letter.

Tags Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru Letters from a Father to his Daughter Nehru ke patra Indira ko Nehru’s Letters to Indira पाठ 15 ख़ानदान का सरग़ना कैसे बना Lesson 15 The Patriarch - How He Began

Letter 14 | The Changes Brought About by Agriculture(English)| Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the concept of the division of labor and its evolution through history. He begins by describing how, in early human societies, there was little division of labor, with everyone focused on hunting. Over time, a basic division occurred between men, who hunted, and women, who stayed at home to care for children and animals.

With the advent of agriculture, more complex divisions of labor emerged as some people farmed while others continued to hunt. This shift to agriculture also led to the development of settled communities, as people needed to stay near their cultivated land. Agriculture made life easier by providing more food than hunting, allowing people to store surplus food.

Nehru then discusses the concept of surplus, explaining that in hunter-gatherer societies, people lived hand-to-mouth, with no surplus to store. However, with agriculture, people began to produce more food than they needed, leading to the accumulation of surplus resources. This surplus is the basis for wealth, as seen in modern banking systems, where people deposit surplus money.

Nehru also touches on the idea that in contemporary society, the distribution of surplus is often unfair, with some people gaining wealth without working, while others work hard but remain poor. He suggests that this imbalance is a cause of poverty in the world, though he notes that this may be difficult for Indira to fully understand at her young age.

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter how early humans developed religion and the concept of division of labor.

Nehru begins by describing how early humans lived in fear, attributing natural disasters and misfortunes to angry and vengeful gods. They imagined these gods in nature—mountains, rivers, and clouds. To appease them, people offered food and, in extreme fear, even sacrificed humans. This fear-driven mindset, according to Nehru, marked the beginning of religion, though it later evolved into something more complex. He reflects on how religion still causes conflict and fear in many societies. Nehru then shifts to describe early humans' daily struggles to find food. With the formation of tribes, life became a bit easier, as people could work together for mutual benefit. Cooperation made it possible to accomplish tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, that were impossible individually. The introduction of agriculture marked a significant advancement, making it easier for humans to obtain food. Nehru mentions that even some ants exhibit basic agricultural behavior. With agriculture, people no longer had to hunt constantly, leading to a less grueling lifestyle. This change led to the division of labor: while men used to focus solely on hunting, with agriculture, different tasks emerged, such as farming, tending to cattle, and other specialized roles. Nehru concludes by explaining that this division of labor, which began with the advent of agriculture, continues in modern society, with people specializing in different trades like carpentry, engineering, or medicine. This specialization allows people to excel in their specific fields, much like the early forms of labor division seen in ancient tribes.

Tags: Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters Pita ke Patr Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru Letters from a Father to his Daughter Nehru ke patra Indira ko Nehru’s Letters to Indira पाठ 13 "मज़हब की शुरुआत और काम का बँटवारा" Lesson 13 "How Religion Began and Division of Labour"

Letter #12 | The Formation of Tribes (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

This letter describes the evolution of early human societies. Initially, early humans lived like animals, hunting alone. Over time, they began to form groups or tribes for safety and strength, much like animals that travel in herds. In these tribes, cooperation was essential, and each member had to prioritize the tribe's welfare. Leaders emerged, typically the strongest, to maintain order and ensure internal conflicts were minimized.

Early tribes were essentially large families and grew over time. Life before tribes was harsh, with humans lacking shelter and clothing, constantly fighting for survival, and struggling with natural elements they did not understand. Early humans also engaged in rituals to appease imagined gods, believing that sacrifices could influence natural events like rain and hail. From this letter: So also the first advance in civilization that early men made was to combine together in packs, or as these are called tribes. They began to work together. There was what is called cooperation. Each man had to think of the tribe first and then about himself. If the tribe was in danger every member of it had to fight for it and defend it. And if any person in the tribe did not work for the tribe he was kicked out."

Tags: Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru Letters from a Father to his Daughter Nehru ke patra Indira ko Nehru’s Letters to Indira पाठ 12 "जातिओं का बनना" Lesson 12 "The Formation of Tribes"

In "What is Civilization?," Jawaharlal Nehru explores the meaning of civilization, contrasting it with barbarism. He explains that civilization involves the refinement of human behavior, distancing from savage or barbaric tendencies. However, he questions the typical markers of civilization, such as clothing or military strength, pointing out that cultural differences, like how people dress, depend on factors like climate.

Nehru critiques the idea that European nations are more civilized simply because they are militarily stronger, using the example of World War I. He argues that the mass killing in wars is more barbaric than civilized, likening it to savage behavior. Despite the destruction, he acknowledges that fine things and people exist in these nations. Ultimately, Nehru suggests that true civilization is reflected not just in material achievements like art or architecture, but in human qualities such as selflessness, cooperation, and working for the common good. From this letter: "You will say that it is not easy to understand what civilisation means, and you will be right. It is a very difficult question. Fine buildings, fine pictures and books and everything that is beautiful are certainly signs of civilisation. But an even better sign is a fine man who is unselfish and works with others for the good of all. To work together is better than to work singly, and to work together for the common good is the best of all."

In this letter, Nehru explains the evolution of languages, focusing on how the Aryans spread across different regions, causing their language to evolve into distinct languages due to geographic separation and the inability to communicate easily. Despite these differences, many languages still share similarities, indicating that they once belonged to the same linguistic family. Nehru gives examples, like the words for "father" and "mother" in various languages, to illustrate this connection.

He emphasizes the importance of studying languages, as they help us understand our shared history and interconnectedness. Nehru criticizes national pride that leads to thinking one’s country is superior to others, noting that no country is entirely good or bad. He urges the reader to appreciate what is good in every culture and work on improving the bad.

Nehru also highlights the poverty and misery in India, stressing the need to improve the lives of its people. While Indians must work for their country, they should also remember their connection to the wider world, recognizing all people as part of a global family. Ultimately, Nehru advocates for making the world a happier place for everyone.

In this letter, Nehru provides an overview of the origins and development of human races and languages. He explains that early humans likely lived in warmer regions during the Ice Age and were nomads, moving in search of food and grasslands. Eventually, people settled near rivers, leading to the formation of civilizations in places like India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.

Nehru identifies the Dravidians as the earliest known race in India, followed by the Aryans, who came from Central Asia and spread across Europe and Asia. He explains that the Aryans, despite their cultural differences today, share a common ancestry with people of Europe, Persia, and Mesopotamia. Over time, these races mixed, and their languages evolved.

He categorizes the world's races into the Aryans, Mongolians (East Asians), Africans, and Semitic peoples (Arabs and Hebrews). Nehru emphasizes the significance of language in understanding racial distinctions. The Aryan languages, such as Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek, gave rise to modern languages like English, Hindi, and Bengali. Similarly, other languages belong to distinct families, like the Chinese, Semitic, and Dravidian languages. Nehru concludes by highlighting that, despite their diversity, most languages trace back to a few common ancestors.

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains how different human races were formed and how their physical characteristics, especially skin color, evolved over time due to environmental factors. He begins by discussing the progress made by Neolithic people, from whom modern races may have descended. Nehru points out that, despite the common classifications of races—white, yellow, brown, and black—it's hard to clearly divide people into these categories because of intermixing.

Nehru then explores how differences in appearance arose, using examples such as the fair-skinned Germans and the dark-skinned Africans. He attributes these differences primarily to climate and adaptation, with people in cold regions developing fair skin and those in hot regions developing dark skin. He draws an analogy between sun exposure and tanning, noting that continuous exposure over generations leads to darker complexions.

Nehru emphasizes that these differences in complexion are based on climate, not on a person’s value or worth. He discusses how even people of the same origin, like Kashmiris, can change their complexion over time due to environmental factors. Finally, Nehru touches on how, in India, the climate is the main reason for color differences across regions, though he acknowledges that the mixing of different races throughout history has also played a role.

In "The Early Man," Jawaharlal Nehru explains the evolution of early humans and their increasing intelligence, which gave them an advantage over animals. He describes how early humans, lacking weapons, initially used stones but later developed stone tools like axes and spears. Nehru mentions the Ice Age, after which humans spread out and lived in caves, subsisting on fruits, nuts, and the animals they hunted, without the knowledge of cooking or farming.

Despite their primitive lifestyle, early humans showed creativity by drawing animals on cave walls, using tools like stone needles. These people, known as Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) men, relied solely on stone for their tools, as metals were unknown to them. As the climate warmed, Neolithic (New Stone Age) humans emerged, making significant progress by discovering agriculture, taming animals, and creating pottery. They also lived in lake dwellings for protection and used flax to make rough clothing.

Nehru discusses the gradual development of tools made from copper, bronze, and even gold, marking a shift from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, which took place around 10,000 years ago. He emphasizes that this transition was slow, with changes in lifestyle and adaptation to different climates. Nehru also narrates the story of a great flood, possibly the formation of the Mediterranean Sea, which may have been the origin of flood myths in various cultures, including the Bible and Sanskrit texts.

Letter 6: The Coming of Man (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Nehru traces the evolution of life, focusing on how animals, including humans, have adapted to their environment over millions of years. He explains how simpler animals, such as fish, lay many eggs and do not care for their young, resulting in high wastage of life. In contrast, higher animals, like mammals, give birth to fewer offspring but take better care of them, with humans being the highest animals who show great affection for their children.

Nehru highlights how early humans likely evolved from apelike creatures, such as the Heidelberg Man, who lived during the Ice Age when glaciers covered much of Europe. Early humans faced great challenges, including harsh cold and threats from large animals. Over time, however, humans became more powerful not through physical strength but through intelligence. The letter emphasizes that the discovery of fire was one of the earliest and most significant achievements of humans. Fire provided warmth, protection from animals, and eventually became a tool humans could control. Nehru concludes by explaining that intelligence, particularly the ability to harness fire, allowed humans to gradually rise above other animals, marking the beginning of their dominance over the natural world. "We can trace this growth of intelligence from the earliest days of man to the present day. Indeed it is intelligence that separates man from the other animals. There is practically no difference between a man without any intelligence and an animal. The first great discovery that man probably made was that of fire."

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the evolution of animals and how they adapted to their surroundings over time. He begins by describing the early life forms on Earth, which were simple sea animals like jellyfish. These animals needed water to survive and could not live on dry land. Over time, those with tougher skins were able to survive longer outside water, leading to the gradual disappearance of softer animals. This process of adaptation allowed animals to evolve in ways that helped them survive in different environments.

Nehru discusses how animals change their characteristics, like color and fur, to blend with their surroundings or to survive in cold climates. He provides examples such as birds turning white in icy regions and tigers being camouflaged by their striped, yellow coats in the jungle.

As Earth cooled and dried up, animals evolved further. He explains that the first animals lived in water, then some adapted to live on both land and water, like frogs and crocodiles. Eventually, land animals and birds appeared. Nehru highlights how a frog's life cycle mirrors the transition from water animals to land animals, as it starts as a fish-like creature and later breathes with lungs.


He also mentions that ancient forests turned into coal over time and describes the massive reptiles and lizards that lived during those periods, some as long as 100 feet. Nehru concludes by discussing mammals, the group that includes humans, noting that early mammals were much larger than today's animals. He reflects on the theory that humans evolved from apes, emphasizing that while we consider ourselves different from animals, we share a common ancestry with them.

 

In this letter, Nehru explains how life began on Earth, a topic that's challenging but fascinating. He begins by discussing what defines life, noting that humans, animals, and plants are all living beings. Some life forms, like certain plants and animals, blur the line between animal and plant, making it hard to classify them. He mentions the scientist Sir Jagadish Bose, who believed even stones might have life, though this is difficult to prove. Nehru then explores how life likely started after the Earth cooled down. The first living things were probably simple, jelly-like organisms without bones or shells, which lived in the sea. These primitive life forms multiplied by dividing themselves in two, and while they left no fossils, similar jelly-like organisms still exist today. As time passed, more complex animals like shellfish, crabs, and worms appeared, followed by fishes and other creatures with hard shells or bones. Nehru explains how fossils of these creatures have been preserved in rocks, which scientists use to understand Earth's early life forms. He concludes by promising to explain in future letters how these simple animals evolved into more complex beings.

In this letter, Nehru explains to his daughter the origins and formation of the Earth, the solar system, and celestial bodies. He begins by describing how the Earth revolves around the Sun, along with other planets, and how the Moon orbits the Earth as its satellite. This collection of planets and their moons, bound by the Sun, forms the solar system. He differentiates between stars and planets, explaining that stars shine on their own due to their heat, while planets, including the Earth and Moon, reflect sunlight. Nehru further explains that the Earth and planets were once part of the Sun, formed when pieces of the Sun's fiery mass broke away. These pieces remained connected to the Sun through gravitational pull, just like a rope. Over time, these fragments, including the Earth, cooled down, making it possible for life to eventually develop. He also touches on the formation of the Moon, possibly from a portion of the Earth, and the creation of oceans from water vapor that condensed after the Earth's cooling. Nehru concludes by hinting that life began on Earth after this long cooling process, which he will explore in his next letter.

 

In this letter, Nehru explains how early history was written by observing the natural world. He refers to nature as a "book" that reveals the Earth's ancient history, where rocks, mountains, rivers, and other natural elements tell stories of a time when no humans or animals existed. As time progressed, animals appeared, followed by early humans, who were initially similar to animals but developed the power of thought, which made them stronger and more capable. Nehru describes how, through experience and learning, humans advanced by discovering fire, farming, clothing, and building shelters. As people gathered in groups, cities emerged, and eventually, writing systems developed. However, for a long time, there was no paper, and people wrote on tree bark or palm leaves. Books were rare because they had to be copied by hand. With the rise of cities, nations formed, and people began to feel superior to others from different places, leading to wars—a foolish practice that continues even today. Nehru mentions that although few ancient books survive, stone inscriptions, such as those by King Ashoka, help us understand the past. He emphasizes India's rich history, citing the times when great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata were written and the country was powerful. Nehru contrasts this with the present, where India is poor and under foreign rule, but expresses hope that with effort, India could become free again and improve the lives of its people. Nehru promises to delve deeper into the early history of the earth In his next letter.

 

Starting "Letters From a Father" in English!  Letter #1 "The Book of Nature"  

In this letter, Nehru writes to his daughter Indira that he would  share the story of the earth through letters. Since living far apart, they can no longer have their usual conversations, he hopes to broaden her understanding of the world beyond India and England, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all countries and peoples.

Nehru introduces the concept of Earth's ancient history, noting that before human life, there were animals, and before that, no life at all. He describes how scientists study fossils, rocks, and the Earth's natural elements to understand this history. These natural elements—like mountains, rivers, and stones—are akin to a "book" that can be read to understand Earth's past.

He encourages Indira to learn the "alphabet" of nature to read its stories, using a small, smooth pebble as an example of how nature tells its history. He explains how the pebble, once a rough rock, became smooth through the movement of rivers, illustrating the dynamic processes that shape the Earth. Through this analogy, Nehru highlights the richness of nature's stories and the importance of observing and understanding the world around us.

After recording each letter/chapter individually, I have now compiled them into a complete audiobook! Presenting the full Hindi audiobook of Jawaharlal Nehru’s 'Letters from a Father' translated by the renowned author Munshi Premchand!!

The book was first published in 1929, and over the years, numerous reprints and editions have kept this work alive for new generations. This audiobook is yet another step in continuing that legacy.

Written as educational essays on natural and human history, the letters were composed while Nehru was imprisoned in Allahabad. These letters reflect a father’s deep desire to nurture his daughter’s understanding of the world beyond the confines of formal education.

You can find the English version here: 

 In this letter, Nehru discusses the significance of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two monumental epics from India's Epic Age that followed the Vedic period. He describes the geographical and cultural context of the Aryan civilization, noting that "Aryavarta" or "Indu-land" was shaped like a crescent moon, which was considered sacred.

Nehru explains that the Ramayana, written by Valmiki in Sanskrit and later adapted by Tulsidas, narrates the adventures of Rama, Sita, and their battle against Ravana. He suggests that the epic may symbolically represent the conflicts between Aryans and southern peoples.

The Mahabharata, a later and larger epic, recounts a great conflict among Aryans themselves and is revered not only for its narrative but also for the Bhagavad Gita it contains. Nehru highlights the enduring influence and significance of these texts, noting that they continue to be integral to Indian culture and knowledge.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 31 रामायण और महाभारत 
अध्याय ३१  रामायण और महाभारत 
Lesson 31  The Ramayana and the Mahabharata

 

In this letter, Nehru describes the Aryans who arrived in India thousands of years ago, likely in gradual waves, over hundreds of years. He imagines their migration as long caravans of people with all their possessions. These Aryans mostly came over the northwest mountains, and perhaps some by sea.

Nehru explores the Aryans' culture through their ancient texts, particularly the Vedas, which are among the oldest books in the world. Initially passed down orally, these texts reflect the wisdom of the rishis and munis of that time. The Aryans were knowledgeable, and their literature in Sanskrit is admired even today. The hymns of the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Vedas, reveal a joyful, adventurous people who worshipped their gods through songs.

The Aryans were proud of their race, loved freedom, and preferred death over dishonor or slavery. They were skilled in agriculture and science, valuing rivers and animals like cows and bulls for their contributions to farming and daily life. Over time, their reverence for the cow led to its worship, a practice that later lost its original significance.

Lastly, to preserve their identity, the Aryans made rules to prevent intermarriage with the native inhabitants. This gradually evolved into the caste system, which Nehru criticizes as absurd in its modern form but notes is diminishing in importance.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 30 हिन्दुस्तान के आर्य कैसे थे? 
अध्याय ३०  हिन्दुस्तान के आर्य कैसे थे?
Lesson 30  What Were the Aryans in India Like?

 

In this letter, Nehru describes the arrival of the Aryans in India and the resulting cultural changes. He explains that before the Aryans came, India had an ancient civilization, much like Egypt, and was inhabited by the Dravidians, whose descendants now live in South India.

The Aryans, a strong, nomadic people from Central Asia, migrated in large numbers due to a shortage of food. They spread to Persia, Greece, and eventually arrived in India, entering through the northwest near Kashmir. The Aryans gradually pushed the Dravidians south, with most of the Aryan settlement remaining in the northern regions like Afghanistan, Punjab, and later the Ganga and Jamuna plains, which they called "Aryavarta."

Nehru also mentions ancient Sanskrit texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which provide insights into the Aryans' way of life and how they expanded across India. The Aryans primarily settled near rivers, establishing cities like Kashi (Benares) and Prayag.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 29 आर्यों का हिन्दुस्तान में आना 
अध्याय २९  आर्यों का हिन्दुस्तान में आना 
Lesson 29  The Aryans Come to India

 

In these letters, Jawaharlal Nehru reflects on the vast history of the Earth and human existence, marveling at how life slowly evolved over millions of years. He reminds his daughter, Indira, of the enormity of time, explaining that human life is just a small blip in the long history of the planet. Nehru emphasizes how insignificant day-to-day worries seem when compared to the vastness of Earth's timeline.

He recounts the early history of the Earth, from its formation as part of the sun, to the emergence of life, and eventually the rise of humans. Nehru encourages Indira to think about how humans started as weak creatures but eventually grew to dominate the world. He ends by noting that while they’ve covered millions of years in their previous letters, the real growth of civilization happened in the last few thousand years, a period they will explore further.

Nehru advises his daughter to ponder what they've already discussed and suggests that this long view of history will help her put small problems into perspective.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the societal structure that emerged over time, focusing on the roles of peasants, kings, and priests. He highlights how peasants and laborers, though crucial for food production, were marginalized and received very little for their efforts, while kings and landlords, who held power, took a large share of their produce.

Nehru then explores the origins of religion, pointing out that early humans, out of fear and ignorance, created gods to explain the unknown. Temples were built for these gods, and people used images of animals or half-human creatures, often ugly and frightening, to represent them. This reflected their belief that gods were powerful and to be feared.

The priests, being more educated and literate than others, gained significant influence. They not only performed religious duties but also became advisers to kings, doctors, and the keepers of knowledge. People considered them magicians because of their tricks and knowledge, and they relied on them in times of trouble. Though the priests often misled the people, they also helped them progress.

Nehru concludes by noting that, in some societies, priests initially governed before kings took over, as kings were better fighters. In some places, like Egypt, kings (Pharaohs) were considered both rulers and gods.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 25 राजा, मन्दिर और पुजारी 
अध्याय २५  राजा, मन्दिर और पुजारी  
Lesson 25  Kings and Temples and Priests

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the importance of studying history not just as a series of battles and the lives of kings but as a way to understand how people lived, thought, and faced challenges. He emphasizes that learning from the past can help us in the present.

Nehru then shifts to discussing the social classes that existed in ancient times. He explains how, as societies developed, people began doing different types of work, leading to a division of labor. This division gave rise to different classes, such as the ruling class, priests, merchants, artisans, and peasants. He highlights that the ruling and managing classes gained more power and wealth, often at the expense of the working classes.

Overall, Nehru shows how understanding the roles and lives of these various classes can help us understand society better and reflect on whether humanity has progressed or not.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 24 आदमियों के अलग-अलग दरजे  
अध्याय २४  आदमियों के अलग-अलग दरजे  
Lesson 24  Different Classes of People

 

In this letter, Nehru explores the origins and evolution of language, writing, and numerals. He begins by explaining how language may have started with simple cries of fear or warning, similar to the way animals communicate. Early humans likely developed basic words and labour cries when working together. Gradually, language evolved from single words to more complex sentences.

Nehru also touches on how, during early civilizations, language had already advanced, with songs and ballads being popular forms of communication. Bards and singers recited tales of heroism, reflecting society's focus on battle and bravery.

He discusses the origin of writing, which likely began as pictures representing objects. Over time, these pictures became simpler, leading to the development of alphabets. The invention of numerals was equally transformative, especially for business. Nehru explains the transition from Roman numerals to the more efficient "Arabic numerals," which were actually developed by Indians. (They are now called Hindu-Arabic numerals)

Thus, Nehru highlights the creativity and progress of early humans in developing systems of communication and counting.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 23 भाषा, लिखावट, और गिनती 
अध्याय २३ भाषा, लिखावट, और गिनती 
Lesson 23  Language, Writing, and Numerals

 

In this letter, Nehru discusses the importance of sea voyages and trade in ancient times, focusing on the Phoenicians, an ancient people from the Mediterranean coast. He describes how early boats, likely simple hollowed tree trunks with oars and sails, were used for adventurous and often dangerous sea travel. These voyages, though perilous, were driven largely by the desire for trade and wealth.

Nehru then explains the evolution of trade, which began with simple bartering between tribes, where goods were exchanged directly, such as cows for grain. Later, gold and silver were used as a medium of exchange, simplifying trade. This development eventually led to the use of coins, further easing trade and commerce.

He emphasizes the complex nature of modern trade, with goods traveling vast distances across countries, and contrasts this with the inefficiencies of sending Indian cotton to England for manufacturing and then importing the finished cloth back to India. Nehru advocates for using locally made products, like khadi, to support domestic industries and reduce dependence on foreign goods.

In the end, Nehru reflects on the role of money, explaining that it is merely a tool for exchanging goods, and highlights the folly of those who hoard wealth without understanding its purpose.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 22  समुद्री सफ़र और व्यापारसारांश 
अध्याय २२ समुद्री सफ़र और व्यापार 
Lesson 22  Sea Voyages and Trade

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru discusses the early civilizations of China and India. He explains that around the same time as the rise of civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, advanced cultures were also developing in China and India. In China, Mongolian settlers thrived along river valleys, creating beautiful bronze vessels and constructing canals and buildings. They developed a unique form of picture-based writing, which remains in use today, unlike similar ancient scripts from Egypt and Babylon.

Nehru also mentions India's early civilization, predating the Aryan arrival, and highlights the Dravidians, who had a rich culture and traded goods like rice, spices, teak wood, and gold with Mesopotamia and Egypt. Trade, Nehru notes, is a hallmark of civilization.

Both China and India were originally composed of small city-states, many of which functioned as republics with elected governments rather than kings. In China, these states eventually unified into an empire, during which the Great Wall was built to protect against invasions. Nehru emphasizes the enormous scale of the Great Wall and its lasting presence as a symbol of Chinese strength and resilience.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 21  चीन और हिन्दुस्तान  सारांश 
अध्याय २१  चीन और हिन्दुस्तान 
Lesson 21 China and India

 

In this letter, Nehru explains about ancient civilizations in Egypt and Crete, focusing on their culture, architecture, and beliefs.

He begins by describing the impressive structures in Egypt, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx. The pyramids were tombs for the Pharaohs, who were buried with treasures for their afterlife. Nehru mentions the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb and the mummies, preserved bodies of the Pharaohs. He also highlights the advanced engineering skills of the Egyptians, who built canals and lakes for irrigation.

Then he writes about Crete, an island in the Mediterranean, and talks about its ancient civilization. He describes the palace at Knossos, which had advanced features like water pipes and beautiful artwork. He also mentions myths associated with Crete, such as the story of King Minos and the Minotaur, a creature that supposedly received human sacrifices. He uses these stories to explain how early religion and human sacrifices often stemmed from fear and ignorance.

In the end, Nehru expresses relief that such sacrifices are mostly a thing of the past, although animal sacrifices still occur in some places. He emphasizes that worshipping through such violence is a strange way to show devotion.

Tags Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru Letters from a Father to his Daughter Nehru ke patra Indira ko Nehru’s Letters to Indira पाठ 20 "मिश्र और क्रीट" सारांश अध्याय २० मिश्र और क्रीट Lesson 20 Egypt and Crete Summary

 

In this letter Jawaharlal Nehru explains how ancient civilizations often developed along the banks of rivers, where water and fertile land were abundant. He mentions famous old cities like Babylon, Nineveh, and Assur in Mesopotamia, which no longer exist, having been buried under layers of sand and dust over thousands of years. Nehru describes how these cities became deserted, were covered by sand, and forgotten, only to have new cities built over them. He reflects on the cyclical nature of history, where cities rise, flourish, and eventually fall into ruin, with new cities taking their place. 

He contrasts this with the city of Damascus in Syria, which is still thriving and possibly the oldest city in the world. Nehru also mentions ancient Indian cities like Indraprastha, near Delhi, which no longer exists, and Kashi (Benares), which is still one of the oldest surviving cities. He notes that many great Indian cities, like those in China, were also built along rivers.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 19  पुरानी दुनिया के बड़े-बड़े शहर 
अध्याय १९  पुरानी दुनिया के बड़े-बड़े शहर 
Lesson 19  The Great Cities Of The Ancient World

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru shifts focus from discussing patriarchs and kings to exploring early civilizations and the people who lived during those times. He mentions that, although we know more about these early civilizations than about the prehistoric Palaeolithic and Neolithic man, our knowledge is still limited. However, the ruins of ancient buildings, temples, and palaces provide insights into the lives, customs, and cultures of those early people.

Nehru discusses the concept of ancient civilizations, including the speculative idea of Atlantis, a highly advanced society supposedly swallowed by the Atlantic Ocean. While there is no evidence to support this, he acknowledges the possibility of early civilizations in the Americas, referencing ancient ruins in Mexico (Yukatan) and Peru.

He then turns to early civilizations in Eurasia, particularly Mesopotamia, Egypt, Crete, India, and China. Nehru emphasizes the importance of water in the establishment of these civilizations, noting that early settlers chose to live near rivers, which provided the necessary water for agriculture. Rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Ganges, and Jumna were crucial for food production, leading people to revere them as sacred and holy. Nehru underscores that the worship of rivers like the Nile and Ganges stemmed from their essential role in sustaining life, though people often forget the practical reasons behind such reverence.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 18  शुरू का रहन-सहन 
अध्याय १८  शुरू का रहन-सहन
Lesson 18  The Early Civilizations

 

In this letter, Nehru explains how patriarchs evolved into kings. He describes patriarchs as the leaders or "fathers" of their tribes, with their authority often passed down from father to son, eventually leading to the emergence of kings. 

Over time, these kings began to believe they owned everything in their country and ruled with absolute power, forgetting their role as servants of the people. Nehru mentions the concept of the "divine right of kings," where rulers claimed that their authority came from God. He highlights historical revolutions in England, France, and Russia where people overthrew their kings due to their oppressive rule.

Nehru contrasts countries that have abolished kings and become republics, where leaders are elected by the people, with places like India, where Rajas and Maharajas still exist. These Indian rulers, he says, continue to live in luxury by taxing the people, much like the old kings, and neglect the needs of their subjects. Nehru stresses that these leaders misuse public funds for their own pleasure, leaving their people to suffer without basic necessities like schools and hospitals.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 17  सरग़ना राजा हो गया  
अध्याय १७ सरग़ना राजा हो गया
Lesson 17  The Patriarch Becomes a King

 

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter the evolution of ownership and leadership within early human tribes. Initially, everything in the tribe was shared among all members, including the leader, or patriarch. The patriarch was primarily an organizer, with no special ownership of the tribe's goods. However, as the patriarch's power grew, he began to see the tribe's property as his own. Over time, leadership became hereditary, passed from one family member to another, and the idea of personal ownership emerged. This shift led to the division of society into rich and poor, as the patriarch's family began to claim more for themselves. Nehru concludes by indicating that he will continue discussing this topic in his next letter.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 16  सरग़ना का इख़्तियार कैसे बढ़ा  
अध्याय १६ सरग़ना का इख़्तियार कैसे बढ़ा  
Lesson 16 The Patriarch - How He Developed

 

In this letter titled "The Patriarch—How He Began," Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter, Indira, the origins of kings and leadership within early societies. He begins by acknowledging the complexity of life and how it contrasts with simpler times. Nehru explains that as tribes formed and agriculture emerged, there was a need for someone to organize work and lead the tribe, especially during battles. This leader was often the oldest and most experienced member, known as the patriarch.

Initially, the patriarch was similar to the other tribe members, sharing in the work and resources. However, as society became more complex, especially due to agriculture, the patriarch took on more organizational responsibilities, gradually distancing himself from manual labor. Over time, this led to a division of labor, with the patriarch and other organizers gaining power over ordinary workers. This marked the beginning of social hierarchies and the evolution of leadership, eventually leading to the concept of kingship.

Nehru promises to delve deeper into the development of the patriarch in his next letter.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 15   ख़ानदान का सरग़ना कैसे बना  
Lesson 15  Summary - The Patriarch - How He Began

 

Summary: In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the concept of the division of labor and its evolution through history. He begins by describing how, in early human societies, there was little division of labor, with everyone focused on hunting. Over time, a basic division occurred between men, who hunted, and women, who stayed at home to care for children and animals.

With the advent of agriculture, more complex divisions of labor emerged as some people farmed while others continued to hunt. This shift to agriculture also led to the development of settled communities, as people needed to stay near their cultivated land. Agriculture made life easier by providing more food than hunting, allowing people to store surplus food.

Nehru then discusses the concept of surplus, explaining that in hunter-gatherer societies, people lived hand-to-mouth, with no surplus to store. However, with agriculture, people began to produce more food than they needed, leading to the accumulation of surplus resources. This surplus is the basis for wealth, as seen in modern banking systems, where people deposit surplus money.

Nehru also touches on the idea that in contemporary society, the distribution of surplus is often unfair, with some people gaining wealth without working, while others work hard but remain poor. He suggests that this imbalance is a cause of poverty in the world, though he notes that this may be difficult for Indira to fully understand at her young age.

Tags 

Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters

Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 

Letters from a Father to his Daughter 

Nehru ke patra Indira ko

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Letters to Indira

पाठ 14  खेती से पैदा हुई तब्दीलियां

Lesson 14  The Changes brought about by Agriculture

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains to his daughter how early humans developed religion and the concept of division of labor.

Nehru begins by describing how early humans lived in fear, attributing natural disasters and misfortunes to angry and vengeful gods. They imagined these gods in nature—mountains, rivers, and clouds. To appease them, people offered food and, in extreme fear, even sacrificed humans. This fear-driven mindset, according to Nehru, marked the beginning of religion, though it later evolved into something more complex. He reflects on how religion still causes conflict and fear in many societies.

Nehru then shifts to describe early humans' daily struggles to find food. With the formation of tribes, life became a bit easier, as people could work together for mutual benefit. Cooperation made it possible to accomplish tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, that were impossible individually.

The introduction of agriculture marked a significant advancement, making it easier for humans to obtain food. Nehru mentions that even some ants exhibit basic agricultural behavior. With agriculture, people no longer had to hunt constantly, leading to a less grueling lifestyle. This change led to the division of labor: while men used to focus solely on hunting, with agriculture, different tasks emerged, such as farming, tending to cattle, and other specialized roles.

Nehru concludes by explaining that this division of labor, which began with the advent of agriculture, continues in modern society, with people specializing in different trades like carpentry, engineering, or medicine. This specialization allows people to excel in their specific fields, much like the early forms of labor division seen in ancient tribes.

Letters From a Father | Episode 12 | The Formation of Tribes

 

From this letter: So also the first advance in civilisation that early men made was to combine together in packs, or as these are called tribes. They began to work together. There was what is called cooperation. Each man had to think of the tribe first and then about himself. If the tribe was in danger every member of it had to fight for it and defend it. And if any person in the tribe did not work for the tribe he was kicked out."

 

From this letter:

"You will say that it is not easy to understand what civilisation means, and you will be right. It is a very difficult question. Fine buildings, fine pictures and books and everything that is beautiful are certainly signs of civilisation. But an even better sign is a fine man who is unselfish and works with others for the good of all. To work together is better than to work singly, and to work together for the common good is the best of all."

Letters From a Father | Episode 10 | The Relationships of Languages

 

From this letter: 

"You will also see that most of us now living in different countries far from each other long ago were one people. We have changed greatly since then and many of us have forgotten our old relationships. In every country people imagine that they are the best and the cleverest and the others are not as good as they are. 

"The Englishman thinks that he and his country are the best; the Frenchman is very proud of France and every- thing French; the Germans and Italians think no end of their countries; and many Indians imagine that India is in many ways the greatest country in the world. This is all conceit. Everybody wants to think well of him- self and his country. But really there is no person who has not got some good in him and some bad. And in the same way there is no country which is not partly good and partly bad. We must take the good wherever we find it and try to remove the bad wherever it may be.

"We are of course most concerned with our own country, India. Unhappily it is in a bad way today and most of our people are very poor and miserable. They have no pleasure in their lives. We have to find out how we can make them happier. We have to see what is good in our ways and customs and try to keep it, and whatever is bad we have to throw away. If we find anything good in other countries we should certainly take it.

"As Indians we have to live in India and work for India. But we must not forget that we belong to the larger family of the world and the people living in other countries are after all our cousins. It would be such an excellent thing if all the people in the world were happy and contented. We have therefore to try to make the whole world a happier place to live in."

 

From this letter: "In those early days a new race was developing in central and western Asia and in eastern Europe. This is called the Aryan race. In Sanskrit there is the same word (Arya), meaning a gentleman or a high born person. As Sanskrit was one of the languages of the Aryan peoples, this means that they considered themselves very gentlemanly and high born! They were apparently quite as vain as people are now. You know that an Englishman thinks himself quite the first person on Earth, and a Frenchman is equally sure that the French are the greatest people, so also the German and the American and others."

Letters from a Father | Episode 8 | How Different Races Were Formed

 

Some gems from this letter: "probably most of the races of men we have in the world today have descended from these Neolithic people"; "people’s complexions.... have nothing to do with the worthiness or goodness or beauty of a person" ; "But not to work oneself and to live on the work of others is nothing to be proud of";  "Many races have come to India in past ages and although, for long they tried to keep apart, they could not help mixing together. It is difficult now to say that a particular Indian belongs entirely to one original race."

 

"These Neolithic men made the very great discovery of cultivation. They started tilling fields and growing their food there. This was a great thing for them. They could now get their food more easily instead of having to hunt animals all the time. They got more leisure, more time to rest and think. And the more leisure they had the more progress they made in discovering new things and methods."

Letters from a Father | Episode 6 | The Coming of Man

"We can trace this growth of intelligence from the earliest days of man to the present day.  Indeed it is intelligence that separates man from the other animals. There is practically no difference between a man without any intelligence and an animal. The first great discovery that man probably made was that of fire."

 

In this letter, Nehru explains Darwin's Theory of Evolution in simple language. He tells how the higher animals, such as lizards and mammals descended from simple sea animals. In the end he writes that "as each animal gradually adapted himself to his surroundings and became better and better, so also man at first was only a better ape. Of course he went on, or nature went on, improving him, and now man thinks no end of himself. He imagines himself so utterly different from the animals. But it is good to remember that we are cousins of the ape and the monkey, and even now many of us I am afraid behave like the monkeys do!"

Letters from a Father | Episode 4 | The First Living Things

 

"When we examine the rocks carefully and collect all the old fossil bones that we find we can see that different kinds of animals lived at different periods. They did not all come together from nowhere. At first there are very simple animals with shells—shell fish for instance. The beautiful shells you pick up at the sea side are all the bony coverings of animals who have died. Later we find more complicated animals, snakes, enormous beasts bigger than our elephant, and birds and animals resembling those we have today. Last of all we find remains of man."

From this letter: "So the earth started to cool. It took a long time over it. Gradually the surface of the earth became cooler although the interior remained very hot. Even now if you go down a coal mine it becomes hotter and hotter as you go down."

Letters from a Father | Episode 2 | How Early History was Written

In this letter Nehru enlightens how early history was written. He writes,"To learn the story of these early days of cities and countries we sometimes get old books. But there are not many of these. Other things help us. The kings and emperors of old times used to have accounts of their reigns written on stone tablets and pillars. Books cannot last long. Their paper rots away and gets moth eaten. But stones last much longer."

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote these letters to his 10-year-old daughter Indira from jail. They were published in a book form as "Letters from a Father to his Daughter." Munshi Premchand, the leading Hindi author of that time, translated them into Hindi.

In these letters, we hear the story of the prehistoric era and early history of the world, including India. The ideas and the information in these letters are insightful, and they promote the feeling of global unity and brotherhood.

Nehru hopes that those who "read these letters may gradually begin to think of this world of ours as a large family of nations."

The title of this first letter is: "The Book of Nature."

 

The RSS and other Hindu fundamentalists made every effort to ensure that Dalits and women remained lower-class citizens.

Ambedkar, the law minister, saw the reform of personal laws as crucial for modernizing India. 

Through this bill, Nehru focused on establishing a just and secular state.

“The Ransom of Red Chief” written by American author O. Henry was first published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1902. Now listen to this story in Hindi. Translated and presented by Giribala Joshi!

 

Here is the story "Idgah" written in 1933 by Munshi Premchand, a leading Hindi writer. I had read this story in school, but it was in simple Hindi. Here, you many listen to the original version of this story in Premchand's precise, beautiful, and rich Hindustani. I have translated it into English and uploaded it as subtitles. You can also read it in Hindi at the link given below: 

https://www.rekhta.org/stories/eidgaah-premchand-stories?lang=hi

 

Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with heart trouble. What happens when she receives the news of her husband's death? Listen to the story in Hindi. "The Story of an Hour" was written by American author Kate Chopin in 1894. Here it is translated into Hindi and presented by Giribala Joshi.

 

Rabindranath Tagore wrote "Giribala" in Bengali  in 1917 and he later translated it into English. You can listen to this interesting story in Hindi here! Translated and presented by Giribala Joshi 🙏

 

Hindi translation and analysis of Ravindranath Tagore's poem "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;"

In this poem, Tagore prays to God and gives a message to his fellow countrymen to build a better nation by following the path of ethics, morality, and hard work.

 

 

On the relationship between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and their ideologies!

 

 

In this video, the four Vedas and the Vedic literature is discussed. The Vedas reflect our ancestors' efforts to understand the mysteries of human existence and this world, and their ways of living in harmony with nature. The texts highlight the knowledge of our ancestors and their spirit of exploration. Many hymns have been used in yajna and other religious rituals, where they are recited aloud.

 

This video is a Hindi translation of a lecture given by Dr. Ramchandra Guha on Jawaharlal Nehru, a leading figure of the freedom movement and India's first Prime Minister. This lecture discusses Nehru's participation in the freedom struggle, his vision for an independent India, and the impact of his leadership on India after 1947. Especially, his achievements and failures are discussed in detail.

 

This video is a Hindi translation of a small chapter from Jawaharlal Nehru's Discovery of India. It delves into the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy - Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. This demonstrates Nehru's knowledge of religion and philosophy while displaying his immense love and pride for India's ancient civilization. We also learn how Nehru tried to strengthen the spirit of unity in diversity prevalent in India since ancient times.

 

After 1947, Edwina's love was completely devoted to Nehru. She was impressed by his intelligence, courage, and poise. Nehru was attractive, cultured, knowledgeable, courageous, and a brilliant wordsmith. He was also honest and well-mannered. Nehru considered Edwina his equal and respected her intelligence, experience, and work ethic.

The information provided in this series is derived from the following sources: 

Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography (Vol. 1) by Sarvepalli Gopal  https://www.amazon.com/Jawaharlal-Nehru-1889-1947-v-1-Biography/dp/0224010298

Daughter of Empire: My Life as a Mountbatten by Pamela Hicks https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Empire-My-Life-Mountbatten-ebook/dp/B00AB19536 

The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves by Andrew Lownie  https://www.amazon.com/Mountbattens-Andrew-Lownie/dp/1788702565

"Edwina" https://www.lordmountbattenofburma.com/edwina

"India's Last Vicereine" by Katherine Bailey