Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta

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This book presents a critical assessment of the political thought of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta. Describing in detail his life and times, it deals with his ideology and perception, liberal nationalism, his work in Imperial Council, his concept of local self- government, and his role in the Congress Party. A comparative study of Mehta and Gopal Krishna Gokhale also makes part of the book.

Dr. (Miss) Ashu Pasricha is a faculty in Gandhian Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has many books to her credit including Gandhian Approach to Integrated Rural Development; Public Administration: Discipline and Dimensions; Peace Studies: Discipline and Dimensions; WTO, Self-reliance and Globalisation; and Gandhi's Concept of State and Power. Also, she has published a number of research papers in various Indian and foreign journals of repute.

Pherozeshah was far and away the greatest political leader India has known. His supreme virtue was fearlessness. Once he made up his mind about some public question and defined his policy, he stuck to it with dauntless determination and no power on earth could dislodge him from his position. He never knew hesitation, equivocation or prevarication. His intellectual eminence, legal and constitutional acumen, and political shrewdness, shone all the ore brightly because of their foundation on resolute intrepidity.

In assessing Pherozeshah's public career, it is essential to remember that many of his principles were formed by his early training and environment. He had the good fortune to receive his education at the hands of a scholar of great attainments and singular breadth of view. When he went to England, it was with a mind fully equipped to receive the ideas and impressions which the West has to impart. While studying for the Bar, he came under the influence of Dadabhai Naoroji, who inspired him with his own burning love of the country and enthusiasm for the cause of progress and liberty. The young disciple was deeply interested in the world around him, and the social and political forces that were at work.

Pherozeshah's temperament, equally with his early training was a great asset. He was a robust optimist and he faced the problems of the day with serene courage and confidence. The hatred of enemies, the indifference of friends and the hostility of those in power and authority failed to shake his faith in the ultimate triumph of the cause he had espoused, and in the principles and methods by which he pursued it.

**Contents and Sample Pages**