Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru (1888-1964) was the first prime minister of India. He was highly instrumental in helping India gain independence from the British. Indian independence was officially realized on August 15, 1947.

Fast Facts:

1. Born on November 14, 1889
2. Took office: August 15, 1947
3. Spouse: Kamala Nehru
4. Religion: Atheist
5. Nehru Jacket named in his honor

Brief Background

Jawaharlal Nehru (aka Pandit Nehru) was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a fairly prominent barrister and politician.

Nehru went to England at the age of fifteen to study at the Harrow school. From there he went on to attend Trinity College, Cambridge. After his return to India he became involved with politics.

He soon rose to be the young leader of the Congress Party, which was instrumental in overthrowing British rule in India. His mentor was Mahatma Gandhi. He was made the first prime minister of India and is the progenitor of the Nehru-Gandhi (of no relation to Mahatma Gandhi) political dynasty; his daughter was Indira Gandhi and his grandson was Rajiv Gandhi, and both also served as prime minister.

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