Motilal Nehru

Profession: Politician

Nationality:

Biography: Motilal Nehru was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and served as president of the Indian National Congress party.

Nehru spent his childhood in Rajasthan. He studied law and began practicing as a lawyer in 1883, first in Kanpur and later in Allahabad where he became a successful lawyer and supported his extended family.

In 1919, Nehru became more involved in the independence movement after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He joined Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement but later criticized Gandhi's decision to suspend civil resistance in 1922. Nehru then joined the Swaraj Party which aimed to enter British-sponsored councils.

In 1928, Nehru chaired the Nehru Commission which wrote a constitution for India. The Nehru Report envisioned India having dominion status within the British Empire, like Australia and Canada. The report was rejected by more nationalist Indians, however, who wanted complete independence, and also by Muslim leaders who felt it lacked safeguards for Muslims.

Nehru's health declined in his later years, limiting his role in the independence movement. He died in 1931, leaving behind a legacy as the patriarch of a powerful political dynasty.

His son Jawaharlal Nehru later became India's first prime minister and his daughter Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman to serve as President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Born: May 6, 1861
Birthplace: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: February 6, 1931 (aged 69)