Gandhi: The Traditional Roots of Charisma

by Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, Lloyd I. Rudolph

The Rudolphs' analysis reveals that Gandhi's charisma was deeply rooted in the aspects of Indian tradition that he interpreted for his time. They key to his political influence was his ability to realize in both his daily life and his public actions, cultural ideals that many Indians honored but could not enact themselves—ideals such as the traditional Hindu belief that a person's capacity for self-control enhances his capacity to control his environment. Appealing to shared expectations and recognitions, Gandhi was able to revitalize tradition while simultaneously breaking with some of its entrenched values, practices, and interests. One result was a self-critical, ethical, and inclusive nationalist movement that eventually led to independence.

Genres: Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1983

Reviews

[Scott]

Most people reference Gandhi without really knowing what the guy was about. This is a good, short book to read to help understand the basis of his thought from a psychological bent focusing on his upbringing and familial and village traditions.What I got most out of it was learning about Gandhi's racism in South Africa and his quirky/bizarre/different approaches to things such as food and sex. Best when read with other pieces about Gandhi.

[G]

part of the "books from college i didn't read" collection.

had no background on gandhi beforehand, didn't get some of the references, some of the inside jokes.

summary: gandhi's family life affecting gandhi. gandhi developing into Gandhi, affecting india. Gandhi creating modern india.
explanation of how it happens.

solid book, short read.