Dr. K. M. Munshi
(30-12-1887 to 8-2-1971)
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi's versatility and achievements were in a way unique. He was an eminent lawyer, one of the framers of India's Constitution and a seasoned statesman. Coming under the inspiring influence of Sri Aurobindo during is student days, Munshi had been an ardent fighter for India's freedom, working at different stages in close association with Jinnah, Tilak, Besant, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Rajagopalachari and Pandit Nehru. His achievements as Home Minister of Bombay in 1937, as India's Agent-General in Hyderabad before the Police Action, as India's Food Minister and as Governor of Uttar Pradesh had been characterised by rare courage and decisive energy.
Acknowledged as the foremost writer in modern Gujarati literature, he has to his credit a vast and varied literature including novels, dramas, memoirs and history in Gujarati, as also several historical and other works in English, notably Gujarat and Its Literature, Imperial Gurjaras, Creative Art of Life, To Badrinath, The End of an Era, Krishnavatara, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Life, Saga of Indian Sculpture, Bhagawan Parashurama, Tapasvini, Prithvi Valla The Master of Gujarat, Jaya Somanath, Pilgrimage to Freedom Vols. I-II and Foundations of Indian Culture.
We have great pleasure in bringing out this volume as a homage to Shri K. M. Munshi whose seventieth birthday was celebrated on December 30, 1956.
On the occasion of Shri Munshi's sixtieth birthday in 1946 some of his friends and admirers published a volume entitled "Munshi: His Art and Work". Since then Shri Munshi has filled various high offices and we felt that it should be brought up-to-date and brief accounts of his activities as the Agent-General of the Government of India at Hyderabad, the Food Minister of India and the Governor of Uttar Pradesh should be included in a survey of his life and work. A short narrative of his early life has been added so that the readers may appreciate the struggles he had to face in his youth. Some other chapters, such as Shri Munshi's place in Gujarati literature, and "Munshi and his message", have also been specially written for this edition.
The hundred years from 1857 to 1957 constitute one of the most momentous epochs in the rich and varied annals of India's history. This century saw the emergence of India from the slough of despond to the sunshine of Swaraj and partial self-fulfilment.
Every political revolution is preceded by intellectual movement of cultural renaissance and social reform. So it happened in India. The new age of cultural renaissance was heralded by Raja Rammohan. In 1857 the Great Revolt was suppressed ruthlessly and a disarmed, dispirited, and disunited people stared bleakly at the future drained of all hopes.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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