Occasional Paper - 2 from The Library Raj Bhavan, Kolkata 19 September 2006

This Occasional Paper features English, the diarist being the first Mahatma Gandhi's last visit to this Governor of West Bengal, C. city, in August-September 1947. It Rajagopalachari (1878-1972). The also spotlights the part played by diary has been partially reproduced the Governor in the events that in a biography written by his son occurred on that visit. C.R. Narasimhan (1909-1989). We are honoured to carry a This Occasional Paper seeks reminiscence written specially for to recreate the atmosphere at us by Shri Jyoti Basu who had Beliaghata, Calcutta in the weeks called on Gandhi at of August-September 1947 Beliaghata.Saroj Mukherjee, through those two first-hand and daughter of Dr. K. N. Katju who rather little known accounts of was Governor of Orrisa (1947- diarists. 1948) and West Bengal (1948- This OP also carries excerpts 1951) and the distinguished from Narasimhan's biography of singer Juthika Roy have furnished his father and The Rajaji Story by interesting cameos. Rajmohan Gandhi. That period has been Nirmal Kumar Bose (1901- documented notably in two 1972) was central to the time spent accounts by direct witnesses and by Mahatma Gandhi in Bengal, in participants in the visit. The first 1946 and 1947. We are privileged of these is by Manu Gandhi (1927- to present in this OP a piece on 1969), a grand-niece of the NKB written for us by Professor Mahatma who wrote a daily diary André Béteille, Professor Emeritus in Gujarati which was translated of Sociology at Delhi University. into English and published under The OP also carries a review- the title The Miracle of Calcutta by article by Dr. Rudrangshu Navajivan, Ahmedabad, in 1959. Mukherjee on a recent publication The book is now something of a of NKB's writings. rarity. The second is also a diary in In addition to acquiring, accessioning and cataloguing books, the Raj Bhavan Library has unavailable in India. We carry an begun putting together a collection excerpt. of sound recordings and The OP carries at the end, a photographs of historical value. list of the library's holdings , Recent 'arrivals' include recordings printed, imaged and on sound of a talk and an interview given by pertaining to Mahatma Gandhi. NKB in the United States of America in 1958. The subject of both is Mahatma Gandhi. These Librarian. recordings were made available by the kindness of the K.C. Das family, which knew the great scholar in Calcutta as a neighbour and friend.

The historian and writer Dr. Ramachandra Guha, on a visit to the Raj Bhavan library on 8 July 2006, was requested to hear these two recordings and comment on them. His review-article is published in this Paper. Another acquisition of value is a BBC recording of Dr. B.C. Roy (1882-1962) made in London in February 1955 on 'Gandhi as a Patient'. This was obtained by us through the kindness of the High Commission of India in London. We carry an excerpt from that rare recording. Ramachandra Guha comments on that as well. Gandhi’s visits to the Governor’s House in Calcutta are listed in a separate entry. Of these, the meetings with Governor Casey (1945-1947) formed a series of seven. The Governor’s wife Maie Casey has a delightful account of those in her memoir, virtually Contents

A Reminiscence — Jyoti Basu — 5

From Gandhi in Bengal - A Chronology — 8 From My Days With Gandhi by Nirmal Kumar Bose — 37

From Mahatma Gandhi—The Last Phase by Pyarelal — 38 A Day I Remember—Saroj Mukherjee — 39 An Auspicious Day —Juthika Roy — 41 From Rajagopalachari - A Biography by C.R. Narasimhan — 43 Liaquat Ali Khan’s letter to Rajaji and the reply — 51 Telegram from Trikamjee to the Governor and his reply — 53 From The Rajaji Story by Rajmohan Gandhi — 55 'Bapu In Beliaghata' by Ramachandra Guha — 57 A communication from A.K. Rao — 59 N.K. Bose (1901-1972) - an appreciation by André Béteille — 59 Review article by Rudrangshu Mukherjee — 61 Recording Gandhi — a comment by Ramachandra Guha — 63 An interview with Nirmal Kumar Bose - excerpt — 68 A BBC recording of Dr. B.C. Roy - excerpt — 69 Mahatma Gandhi's meetings with Governors of Bengal - a list — 70 From Tides & Eddies by Maie Casey — 71 A catalogue of the Library's holdings on Mahatma Gandhi — 74 Rare Photographs of Gandhi at the Photo Archives of Raj Bhavan— 89 Gandhi in CDs at the Photo Archives of Raj Bhavan — 91

A Reminiscence Jyoti Basu August - September 1946 ‘Direct Action Day’ And After In 1946, terrible riots took Workers Union, and I was surprised place on a massive scale, resulting they were carrying the booty. Some from Jinnah's call for Direct Action even saluted me. Then someone throughout India. I do not know, told me that it was better to leave as whether the kind of riots that took terrible things were happening in place here, in Calcutta, took place Calcutta. From Sealdah Station you in any other place. I have never could see a lot of people gathered seen such killings and such cruelty there and Bow Bazar was burning. towards children, women and men. Three of us went there. I could not Gandhiji came later. The return home for three days. I Communists were on a Rescue contacted my father and told him Mission at the time, removing that I am quite safe and we were in Hindus from the areas where they the Calcutta District Party Office were a minority and Muslims from opposite NRS Hospital. the areas from where they were a The sights I saw I can never minority. We even had to take some forget. It is inconceivable that man Sikhs to safe places.Suhrawardy can be so cruel to man. Any way, overdid things and he actually after three days, a jeep came for me organized the riots. The Hindus also from our Headquarters in Dacres resisted. It was not a one-sided Lane near Esplanade. There many affair. I got stuck, when the riots of our comrades had gathered. They took place, outside the Sealdah also could not go home. I went Railway Station, opposite the Nil there. I was told by Com. Muzaffar Ratan Sarkar Hospital, where we Ahmed and some others that a had our party office. We were rescue team has been organized by hearing rumours to the effect that the Government with Mr. R. Gupta, trouble will take place in Calcutta on ICS, heading it, and with some that day (Direct Action Day). After British and Indian soldiers. I was about an hour or so, we saw told I could contact them because processions coming in with looted some of our Hindu and Muslim property. Many of the comrades had got stuck opposite the processionists were known to me as Islamia Hospital. I went there. I I was a Trade Unionist at the time - could not meet Mr. Gupta as he had General Secretary of the Railroad gone home, but I met a British official and urged him to rescue the them, the durwan again said that comrades. We went there and saw everybody had left. Momin's wife that people had gathered there with was there. Fortunately, the people dead bodies of Muslims and they did not enter. were shouting Allah-o- Akbar. The Captain and the sepoy then We went into the place along went up the building and within 10 with the British soldier, who was minutes came down with the three armed with a revolver, and a sepoy comrades who had been stuck there. who had a rifle in his hands. I was a At that time, Hindus did not little frightened and apprehensive. I want these riots actually, but told the British soldier that the Suhrawardy had to heed to the call marauders were very excited and of Direct Action Day. He saw that it wondered whether they will disperse was getting out of hand and even the seeing such seemingly negligible Government could not control all deployment of force. The British this. So he thought enough was soldier was annoyed. He told me enough and he wanted a peaceful that he had served in the army and march. took part in the War. I said to him I did not want to argue and that I was When Suhrawardy thought that only expressing my doubts. We too much had happened - even went behind the soldier and his things that he did not foresee - sepoy, along the Bow Bazar Street. killings and so on, he wanted peace. Our car was stopped and they went So he called a meeting in his house ahead near Islamic College and with of all political parties, including Dr. open revolver the British soldier got Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. I went out along with the sepoys from the along with Bhupesh Gupta as we lorry and it was strange that within thought we should also participate in a few minutes all these people who the peace march. We felt that as this were trying to create trouble over the was a peace march organized by the dead bodies giving slogans, they Government, nobody could attack it. dispersed. But after 10 minutes both of us had been sitting in the room he came to There was an old durwan us and said “Dr. Shyama Prasad outside the building. The agitators Mookerjee has seen you coming and had gone to him and asked as to he has said that Jyoti Basu and where the people in the building had Bhupesh Gupta are from the gone. The durwan had that all of Communist party and if they take them had left the place. In actual part in the procession, then I will not fact some comrades, including go”. So he jokingly said that "You Abdul Momin a Trade Union leader Communists have not organized the and his wife, were in there. When riots, I and Shyama Prasad have the marauders went in search of done that." Of course that was not these circumstances when correct. Shyama Prasad did not start everything had gone out of hand. the riots. Hindus only resisted, He said very calmly, "In my though they also looted shops and so experience, in such a situation it is on. The procession took place with not possible to have a mass meeting Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, but if you could bring out a small Government leaders, and so on. procession with people of all That had a good effect. The religions - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, message was - we have had enough. and so on, that may be the beginning We started Direct Action Day at the of the peace process." We thanked call of Jinnah. Now we want to him and then we came back and the bring back peace. next day we organized the meeting near Park Circus. I think there were From Calcutta, in 1946, about 50-60 people, both Hindus and Gandhiji went to Noakhali. There Muslims but it was dispersed within were terrible riots in Noakhali. He 10 minutes. At one stage we took worked there ceaselessly to bring out a march, it was attacked and back peace and sanity. dispersed. So nothing actually August - September, 1947 happened by these activities then. Gandhi in Beliaghata Many people went to see him in Beliaghata. In August 1947 Gandhiji came and stayed in the Beliaghata House. This is the experience I had We had heard that he was coming. with him. We were waiting for him. It was in * * * Beliaghata that Comrade Bhupesh Gupta, our Party leader (later MP) and myself went to meet Gandhiji. When Shri Jyoti Basu was first elected MLA, in 1946 (Railway Constituency), the Muslim He was sitting on the floor with a League was in power and Congress sat in the few people. We introduced Opposition. At that time there were 3 ourselves. We said we were Communist MLAs in the Bengal Legislative Communists and we have come to Assembly take your advice. What do we do in .

From Gandhi In Bengal — A Chronology 1 — 1947 Hindu demonstrators raise black 13 August - In Calcutta (Sodepur- flags and ask him why he is not Beliaghata); leaves Sodepur at going to Hindu quarters to 2.30 p.m. by car and reaches the house Hydari Manzil 2 , selected save them. Many demonstrators for his stay in Beliaghata, a heckle him and Suhrawardy to predominantly Muslim area. Manu their faces. Gandhi tells Nirmal Gandhi records 3 - Bose such boldness is to be admired. Manu Gandhi records - It was a very shabby house without any sort of facility. It was open on The youths were excited. They all sides, thus being easy of access said to Bapu, "Why have you come to outsiders. The doors and here? The slight suffering on the windows were broken. There was part of the Muslims has caused you only one latrine which was used by to hasten to their succour. Where hundreds of people, including a were you when we suffered?" But number of volunteers, policemen they did not prevent Bapu from and visitors. Every inch of the entering the house. Shaheed Saheb, place was covered with dust. In who came later on, was stopped at addition, rain had made the the door. It was feared that he passages muddy. Bleaching might be killed. Bapu sent powder having been profusely Nirmalbabu and others to bring a sprinkled, the acrid smell caused few representatives of the rioting great discomfort. There was only mobs to meet him. When they one usable room where everybody came inside, the rest of the mob and everything had to be remained calm. accommodated, including Bapu himself, his luggage and guests.

1. This Chronology is being compiled by the present Governor of West Bengal and is expected to be published in 2007. 2. Now renovated and renamed 'Gandhi Bhavan'. 3. The Miracle of Calcutta, by Manubehn Gandhi, Navajivan Publishing House, 1959. Suhrawardy was then allowed to doing my business. I have warned enter the house. Bapu had the Hindus of Bihar that a repetition of following conversation with the the former happenings would cost excited youths who had come me my life. In coming here I have inside. obtained the permission to say that they (Muslims) will have to Question : “Why was there no murder me first before they start a one to protect the Hindus in the riot in Noakhali. Why don't you try Muslim locality during last year's to understand that my riots in Calcutta on the 16th of responsibility concerning Noakhali August? And you have come here is now being shouldered by to save the Muslims when there is Shaheed Saheb and his men, and only a small scuffle of four days' persons like Ghulam Sarwar 4 ? Is duration!” this a small matter? This is what I Bapu : “There is a vast call my business.” difference between today and the The youths (greatly excited) : 16th August, 1946. I accept that all “We do not want to take lessons in the atrocities of 16th August were Himsa and Ahimsa from you. perpetrated exclusively by the Better leave this place. We shall Mohammedans. But what is the never allow any Muslim to come use of avenging past wrongs? I here.” was on my way to Noakhali. But now I shall manage the affairs of Bapu : “This means that you Noakhali from here. I have not do not want my interference. But if come for the good of Muslims you help me and allow me to do alone. I want to serve everybody, my work, you will find a new for I am a friend of all men. Those situation wherein Hindus will be who kill and burn prove unfaithful able to go safely where they cannot to their own religion. It is you who go today. What do you gain by can save me. And if I am to be harping on the events of August killed it is you who can kill me. 16th, 1946, and becoming After all, I am old now. I have very permanent enemies?” few days to live. I have done a lot To this, an eighteen year old of work. I have come to make you boy : “History has not proved that understand my point of view if I two widely differing communities can. But within my heart I feel that have been able to exist amicably, I am the servant of both side by side. I have noticed since communities. I am a Bania. I am

4. Mian Ghulam Sarwar, a political figure in Noakhali who was detained and kept under surveillance for a while.. childhood that the Hindus and sentences had a magic effect and Muslims have always been all the young boys were satisfied. fighting.” Then, the same youths volunteered to keep watch over Bapu throughout the night. Bapu : “You are not older than The boys : “God knows, the I. I have seen a number of old man is a wizard; everybody is instances where Hindu boys called won over by him. He is never Musulmans by the fond term, vanquished.” chacha. Persons of both communities participate in each Prayers were held inside the other's auspicious ceremonies and house at 9 p.m. Bapu was carry on friendly business and extremely tired, and so were we. social dealings. Besides, you want 5Abha and I were very to force me to leave this place. I hungry as well, but there was never submit to force of any kind nothing to eat. Bapu said that we whatsoever! It is not in my nature. should not eat anything at so late You can stop me doing my work. an hour. But hunger got the better You can imprison me if you like, of us and we ate something at 10 or kill me. I shall not call in the p.m. help of the military of pray to be spared. You say that I am an Bapu retired at 11 p.m. We enemy of the Hindus, but this does had fixed up an old four-legged not affect me as long as my soul is charpoy for him, and spread our witness to my worthy motives. own bedding on the floor. Bapu How can I then accept that I am said: "How can I sleep on a bed, the enemy of Hindus? If you can while you sleep on the floor? convince me that I have made a Spread my bedding also on the mistake in coming here, I shall floor." We therefore spread his immediately leave this place. Can't bedding too on the floor. Shri you understand that being a Hindu Suhrawardy decided that he would by religion, deed and name, I not sleep here tonight. He had cannot possibly be an enemy of my some work to do. He said he would own community? This is sheer join us from the following night. narrow-mindedness on your part.” Some of the Sodepur people wanted to stay on to help Bapu. He One does not know how, but refused, saying that the greatest the utterance of these two 5. Abha Gandhi nee Chatterjee (1927-1995), daughter of Amritlal Chatterjee and wife of Kanu, Gandhi's grand- nephew. help they could render was to carry Manu Gandhi records - out their duties in their own place On the return journey Bapu properly. Bapu had not eaten was perturbed. He protested, "I anything since I p.m., nor had he spend only half an hour walking, taken any rest. He went to sleep at and I have wasted an hour in a car 11.30 p.m. to reach the place and return. How 14 August - In Calcutta can I afford to waste time like this? 6 It is bad business. It is past ten (Beliaghata) N. C. Chatterjee of now. When will the girls eat?" the Hindu Mahasabha, Acharya Suhrawardy replied, "It is not very Kripalani 7 , Renuka Ray 8 , late; it is just ten o'clock." Bapu: Surendramohan Ghose 9, Tushar "It may be early for you, but for Kanti Ghosh 10 , call. Packed me it is like midnight." prayer meeting. Scenes of We returned home at 10.45 camaraderie witnessed in parts of p.m. and Bapu retired at 11. He Calcutta, with Hindus and was worried because we remained Muslims embracing each other. hungry till so late. People Gandhi is driven by Suhrawardy 11 disturbed us throughout the night. in a closed car, sitting between two They kept coming in great or three passengers for privacy to numbers as the following day was observe the emotional scenes the 15th of August. The whole city was being decorated with flags and - Visits Marwari Club 12 - the noise of the bustle reached our says to them 'Tomorrow we will be ears from all sides. free from bondage to the British, but from midnight tonight 15 August - In Calcutta Hindustan will be broken into two (Beliaghata) - Manu Gandhi writes pieces. So tomorrow will be both a : day of happiness and of sorrow'

6. N.C. Chatterjee (1895-1972) President of the Provincial Hindu Mahasabha in1947. 7. Acharya J.B. Kripalani (1888-1982) Professor of English and History at Muzaffarpur College. Made first acquaintance with Gandhi in 1915 at Santiniketan, took part in non-cooperation movement launched by Gandhi in 1920. He served as General Secretary of the Congress from 1934-1945 and elected Congress President in 1946. Member of the Constituent Assembly, Lok Sabha from 1952-1971, one of the Republic of India's most ;outstanding opposition leaders, dissenters and free-thinkers. 8. Renuka Ray ( 1904-1997) first met Gandhi at the age of 16, student in Visva-bharati, social worker, active in the INC, one of the 14 women members of the Constituent Assembly, MP and President of the All India Women's Conference in 1953. 9. Surendra Mohon Ghosh (1893-1976), Congress Member of Constituent Assembly, President, Bengal P C C 1939-1950, M.P. 10. Tushar Kanti Ghosh (1898-1994) - Editor of Amrita Bazar Patrika. 11. Husain Shaheed Suhrawardy (1893-1963); duration of premiership (24.4.1946-14.8.1947); duration of Membership of the Assembly (1937-46, 1947). 12. Now known as 'Rajasthan Club', Mayo Road, Maidan, Kolkata 16. Today Bapuji got up at 2 a.m. The (new) Ministers of West A number of Musulmans, who had Bengal came to pay their respects decided to break their Roza only to Bapu. Bapu said to them, after obtaining a darshan of the 'Today, you have worn on your Father of the Nation who had head a crown of thorns. The seat of brought freedom, were waiting power is a nasty thing. You have to outside. There were Hindus also. remain ever wakeful on that seat. You have to be more truthful, Gandhi on a one day fast, his more non-violent, more humble characterestic way of marking and more forebearing. You were India's independence. At an put to the test during the British interview with students in regime. But in a way it was no test Beliaghata, he says we had two at all. Now there will be no end to States now, each of which had both your being tested. Do not fall prey Hindu and Muslim citizens and, by to the lure of wealth. May God that fact, the two-nation theory had help you! You are there to serve ended. When the day's Hindu- the villages and the poor.' The Muslim fraternization is referred atmosphere of Calcutta had to, he says 'I am not lifted off my changed in two hours. Men and feet by these celebrations'. There women were seen going round is a great rush of visitors and the hand in hand, shouting, "Hindu- prayer meeting has a massive Muslim Bhai Bhai." attendance. Gandhi refers to riots in Lahore and floods in Chittagong Bapuji allowed us to witness - both places now being in the celebrations, but he himself did Pakistan. Nature did not respect not go. People of both political divisions or the creed of communities visited each other's persons, he says. A professor asks places of worship. There was a what scientists should do if free terrible rush at the evening prayer India ordered them to produce at 5.30 p.m. Bapu's car passed atom bombs. He replies 'Resist through the crowd with great them unto death.' Manu continues difficulty, and he encountered still : greater difficulty in reaching the dais. In his after-prayer speech Bapu could not do any work Bapu said: today. He had to go out every half an hour. Thousands of people kept "Today is the first day of coming for his darshan, and they freedom and Rajaji has become the said that all this was due to the Governor. People thought that the great Gandhi! Governor's house was their own property and so they occupied the whole of it. It is a good thing that and congratulates him on the the people are aware that all have miracle he has wrought. Gandhi equal right to enter the house. But says he is not yet satisfied that the it is painful that they seem to think so-called miracle is an abiding that now that the British have gone one. Manu writes : away, they are free to do what they We had prayers as usual at like and break and destroy things. I 3.30 a.m. Then, Bapu read his post hope no one will indulge in such and wrote his replies. We started barbarous behaviour. If we can for a walk on the street at 6.30 a.m. show the same degree of unity Even his walk served the purpose which we had shown during the of imparting some practical lessons days of the Khilafat agitation, we to our people. Thousands had shall be drinking cups of nectar in assembled to obtain his darshan place of those of poison which we before he set off. Bapu made them had to drink till now." sit down in front of the door and We returned from prayers at 8 explained to them that the great p.m. Bapu met Prafullababu 13 noise they made was unbearable. and yielded to Shaheed Saheb's This made them silent. Bapu had pressure to go for a drive. He started out for his walk with bare wanted to show Bapuji the feet. He thought that those people illuminations and the atmosphere who made the streets dirty by of unity in the city. Everyone spitting everywhere would stop recognized Bapu's car. When it doing so if he went out unshod. It passed through a Muslim locality it certainly had some effect as people was surrounded by people who stopped making the streets quite as greeted him with "Jai Hind". Small dirty as formerly. Bapu remarked, children shook hands with him, "I am glad that people have learnt and many a people sprinkled him these two lessons from me." with scent and rose water. Bapu took his massage after Bapu returned from a drive the walk ; this was followed by a around the city at a quarter to ten. bath and his morning meal at 9 He was extremely tired. After a.m. as usual. doing some work, he went to bed The most important person to at 10-30 p.m. meet Bapu today was Rajaji. The 16 August - In Calcutta first thing he did after (Beliaghata); the new Governor, C. Rajagopalachari pays a visit 13. Dr. Prafulla Chandra Ghosh (1891-1983) - born in Dacca district in 1891. First Chief Minister of West Bengal, ardent Gandhian, who assumed office on this day. 14 country that there was no need in being sworn-in as the olden times to lock anything or any Governor was to come to Bapu for house. There were no thefts an interview at 11.30 a.m. committed in Ramarajya. We were Formerly, it was Bapu who had to such an honest people in those go to the Governor! It made days. Such incidents are a matter history as it was the first time that of shame to our great country. I a Governor had come to interview would request those who have Bapu! Both the old men looked stolen that they should return the very happy. In spite of the dirtiness stolen articles." of the yard, Rajaji had removed his slippers outside, and had crossed Bapu took his usual walk after the verandah etc. with bare feet to prayers. Rev. John Kellas 15 of the enter Bapu's room. All the visitors Scottish Church College came to came with shoes on right up to meet him and asked, "What is the Bapu's room. But not so Rajaji. He relation between a nation and remained with Bapu for nearly an religion?" hour. Bapu replied, "A nation does There was a series of not belong to any particular deputations to meet Bapu between religion or sect. It should be 12.30 and 5 p.m. There were absolutely independent of either discussions about communal unity religion or sect. Every person and relief work. Bapu went to the should be free to follow the prayer meeting at 5.30 p.m. religion of his choice." Shaheed Saheb was the first to Bapu went to bed at 10.30 speak. He said, "We have to thank p.m. Allah or Ishwar and the great Mahatma, for the peace we have 17 August - In Calcutta had here for the last two or three (Beliaghata); Manu writes : days." The morning programme was This was followed by Bapu's gone through as usual, after which speech. He too appealed for unity Bapu spent his time in meeting and said that if permanent peace workers, advising people, and could be established there, it would writing articles for Harijan , this have its effect all over India. Some being the last day for dispatching people had stolen things from the material. Government House. Referring to this he said, "It is said about our 14. Rajaji was sworn in on the midnight of 14 - 15 August, 1947. 15. A Scotsman, he was Principal of the Scottish Church College from 1944 to 1954.

Shaheed Suhrawardy was the or save us. I do not deny your love first to speak at the prayer meeting for me. But I am afraid it may which was held today at prove to be merely an Nankudanga. It was a vast effervescence similar to that of a assemblage of people. Shaheed soda water bottle. All things are Saheb said: "During the riots good within their proper limits." Hindus and Musulmans could not The prayer grounds were pass through each other's localities covered with mud. Shaheed even in motor vehicles. But, today, Suhrawardy was carried to the car, even a small child can walk but Bapu walked. His legs were without fear wherever it likes. covered with the mud by the time Remember that we owe all this to he reached the car. We got back Gandhi." from the prayer meeting at 9 p.m. Referring to his place of Bapu went to bed at 10 p.m. after residence Bapuji said, "People now an hour's discussion with Shaheed seem to think that they are not Suhrawardy. bound to obey any one's orders. 18 August - In Calcutta People who visit my place of (Beliaghata); it is the festival of Id. residence indulge in shouting and Congress workers from Khulna, abusing the police. The latter fold now in East Pakistan call. They their hands in return. The police had hoisted the tri-colour on 15 are no doubt our servants, but they August thinking Khulna will go to receive orders only from the India but the Boundary Government, not from private Commission awarded it to East individuals. If each one of us start Pakistan. What is to be done to to order the police they will be the hoisted tri colour, they ask. It crushed. If we continue to behave is Gandhi's day of silence and so in this unruly manner, we shall he writes : 'There can be no two surely lose our freedom. You are opinions, the Union Flag must go, free to complain if the police try to Pakistan's must be hoisted without rule instead of serving. But it is demur and with joy if possible. their duty to arrest all those who Award is award, good or bad'. commit crimes. I have, therefore, Visits Baranagore where stray acts requested the Government to against Muslims had been withdraw the police force. It is reported. Manu writes : really painful that they should have Muslim women who resided to listen to your abuse for our sake. in the market area were waiting for Now it is in your hands to kill us Bapu's darshan. So, our motor passed through that locality. We offer Id greetings ; but I must returned to Beliaghata at 4 p.m. admit that I am witnessing such a Bapu did his spinning and drank sight today for the first time after a milk. He then went to the prayer good many years. My heart leaps meeting. Today being Id, with joy when I see here Musulmans called on Bapu in volunteers of the Muslim League, great numbers and he gave each of the National Guard and Congress them some fruit. working together. We have to The prayer was held at the make this unity a lasting one. Now "Mohammedan Sports" maidan. we have, ourselves, to do the work There was an assemblage of four which the English had been doing to five lakh people. Bapu reached for us. I shall never forget what I the pulpit with great difficulty. He have seen here today." nearly slipped twice on his way. 19 August - In Calcutta His face expressed joy when he (Beliaghata) saw the mammoth gathering of - Visits Kachrapada where, Hindus and Muslims. Our car took too, stray acts of violence against half an hour to pass through the Muslims have taken place. Manu gate ; ordinarily this would have records - required only a couple of minutes. People were eager to touch Bapu's We started for Kachrapada at feet. Poor Shaheed Saheb was wet 12 o'clock and reached there at 2 with perspiration. His wrist watch p.m. It was with great difficulty was broken. He made his speech as that the crowds were persuaded to usual. He said, "Id is usually a day preserve silence. The Muslims of of joy for Musulmans. But today it this place complained that the is much more so, for it is for the Hindus were harassing them. The first time, after nearly a year of population consisted of twenty- fighting, that Hindus and Muslims five thousand Hindus and eight - not only men but women also - thousand Muslims. Most of the have been able to sit together Hindus are Biharis. Addressing the without any fear. All this is due to meeting Bapu said, "Biharis the infinite mercy of Allah and the respect my word. Are they going good work of our beloved Bapu." mad today? Those who form a majority of the population must be Bapu spoke: "It is my very careful." Suhrawardy said, foremost duty to extend Id "This tri-colour flag is the greatest greetings to all the Muslim thing. Be you Hindu or Muslim, it brethren here. There was a time is the only flag you can fly." He when both communities met to also laid great emphasis on unity.

Gandhi addressing a peace meeting on Id, 18 August, 1947 at Mohammedan Sportings Ground galleries. A wood engraving by Somnath Hore in the same year, presented to the present Governor of West Bengal.

At last the two communities the same custom until Jawahar or agreed to unite, and the crowd Liaquat Ali introduce some other started out in a joint procession custom. We should, therefore, stop with the National Flag. playing music before Masjids if We left the place at 3.30 p.m. the Muslims feel offended by it." and drove home-wards. But our car After returning from prayers was stopped at different places on at 9 p.m. Bapu did his spinning the way and we did not reach the and drank milk. He went to bed at prayer meeting till 7 p.m., which 11 p.m. was very late. 20 August - In Calcutta Bapu expressed the same (Beliaghata); Manu writes : views at the prayer meeting as he had done at the Kachrapada meeting. He added, "The custom The morning programme took of not playing music in front of its usual course from 3.30 a.m. Masjids was introduced during the Interviews started immediately British regime. We must stick to after Bapu's bath. Rajaji came at 11.30 a.m. Bapu had an hour's talk with him. There was a Press people. There was great noise. conference at 3.30 p.m. When the prayer was concluded Someone asked, "It is with the recitation of Ramanama rumoured that Shrimati the people clapped. Bapu reprimanded them and said, Chandralekha Pandit 16 is to be "Prayer is neither a dramatic sent as ambassador to the U.S.A. performance nor a cinema show or What can a girl of eighteen do as an exhibition. It is a means of ambassador?" remembering God. You should Bapu replied, "This question therefore never clap at prayer is an attack on Jawahar. I can give time." a fitting reply, but I do not want to He added, "I now wish to go enter into political questions now. I to Noakhali. I offer you my am at the moment concerned with heartiest congratulations for the the Hindu-Muslim problem; you unity you have achieved here. Yet, may ask me any question relating I do not want you to lapse into to it." relaxation. You must all remain Bapu spoke in this strain for alert and spread the atmosphere of half an hour. He took fruit and peace everywhere by setting up milk after returning from the Press peace committees in different conference. It was now time to areas." attend the prayer meeting which Speaking about the flag he was to be held in the open area said, "I would fly both the flags, surrounded by Canning Street, for we have become friends now. Pollock Street, Muraghihata and Look at the U.S.A. and Great Kolutola. Bapu was so seated that Britain. They are friends and they he had a Temple on one side, a fly their flags jointly and observe Masjid on another and a Church on joint celebrations." Regarding cow the third side. protection he said, "There is no It was at this place that the greater admirer of the cow than I rioting had started on 16th August am. Newspapers report Shri 1946 and it was here also that Dalmia 17 to have said that the Hindu-Muslim unity had been Union Government could stop established on 15th August 1947. beef-eating by legislation. But it There was a vast gathering. cannot do so. It is a lesser According to local calculation there were not less than seven lakh 16. Eldest daughter of Smt. Vijayalakshmi Pandit. 17. Ramakrishna Dalmia, industrialist and espouser of cow-protection. sin to kill a cow and eat her than to 22 August - In Calcutta ill-treat and under-feed her as we (Beliaghata); Bengal Ministers are doing; I would even go to the call at 10.00 a.m. length of saying that the former - Advises workers of Bengal course may prove to be the more Chemicals not to go on strike merciful. If, instead of passing a - Discussions with Members law to stop cow slaughter, we learn of the Kasturba Trust; Manu the method of cow breeding, we records - shall see that cow slaughter will This discussion went on up to stop of its own accord." 4 p.m. Bapuji then started We returned from the prayer spinning. He talked to visitors at 9 p.m. Bapu had a long while doing so. The prayer discussion with the Bengal meeting was held at Deshbandhu Ministers. He started for his walk Park at 5 a.m. Shaheed at ten o'clock and went to bed at Suhrawardy once again appealed 10.30 p.m. A phone message from for unity and exhorted Muslims to Mridulabahen 18 stated that the work under the tri-colour flag. He Calcutta happenings had had a appealed to the people to salutary effect on Bihar. Bapu was contribute to the Relief Fund. greatly pleased to hear this. Bapu asked the audience to 21 August - In Calcutta join in repeating Ramanama and to (Beliaghata) clap to its rhythm. He said, "That - Women's meeting at will give us new strength. How University; Manu records - nice it looks when soldiers march At 3 o'clock Bapu went to the in step! I am opposed to military women's meeting at the University. power, for it results in killing There was too much noise. Bapu human beings. There is only one waited for three quarters of an way to vanquish military power hour, but all attempts to induce and obtain peace, and it is this." silence failed. He then started to Bapu then expressed his speak : "I have attended many intense feelings regarding women's meetings, but today there communal unity, with special has been too much noise. I am a reference to the riots in the Punjab. mere servant. I was ordered to We returned home at 7 p.m. Bapu attend a women's meeting and so took some fruit and milk and then have I come. I want to go back as had a short talk with the early as I can." 18. Mridula Sarabhai (1911-1974), daughter of Ambalal Sarabhai, vigorous activist assisting abducted women in the 1947 riots, later a supporter of Sheikh Abdullah's stand on Kashmir. Ministers of Bengal. After in a foreign language? And "Vande this, he went for an evening walk Mataram" means, 'I bow to our and retired at 10 p.m. beloved Mother India'. Is anything wrong in this? But these days our 23 August - In Calcutta minds are much confused. If your (Beliaghata); Manu writes : hearts are one, I suggest that Got up at 3.30 a.m. as usual. Musulmans should be free to Bapu wrote some letters after worship Mother Kali, and Hindus morning prayers. We then started should go to the Masjid with equal for a walk. Bapu said, "I like freedom." walking outside with bare feet. It 24 August - In Calcutta reminds me of the Noakhali (Beliaghata) pilgrimage." After the walk Bapu had his massage and bath, and - Maharaja Patiala calls; wrote for the Harijan . He observed Manu writes : silence while writing with the After prayers at 3.30 a.m. purpose of being able to work Bapuji wrote for Harijan . He did undisturbed. Except for an interval not go out for a walk as it was of half an hour for eating and an raining. He requested the readers equal time for rest, he worked up to express their opinion as to to 2 p.m. Interviews started at 2 whether Harijan should be p.m. continued or discontinued. He took Bapu's interviews lasted up to his walk indoors. There was no 5. The interviewers were mostly space for all of us to walk together. workers. I sat on a wooden seat while he walked. Bapu asked me, "Why are The prayer meeting was held you idle today?" I said, "What do at "Woodlands" the residence of you mean, Bapu?" He asked, the Maharaja of Cooch Behar "Why are you not walking? Are Bapu spoke on unity and you going to sit in a chair after I added, "Hindus should not object leave? I can judge others from to the shouting of "Allah-o- your case, for you have been with Akbar", nor should the Muslims me in this Great Sacrifice. The object to "Vande Mataram". The Sacrifice that was started at two slogans are, however, Noakhali has not ended because somewhat different. "Allah-o- we have left the place. You may Akbar" means "God is great". have your own reasons for What does it matter if the slogan is avoiding a walk, but how can you in Arabic? Is it sinful because it is break your own rule? There is no meaning in doing things for fear of my displeasure. Am I to suppose prayer Bapuji slept for a while. It that other workers too are working was raining and he had to walk because of fear of me? What I see inside the house. Visitors started of you today makes me afraid that coming after the massage and bath. all my workers will occupy But Bapu was observing silence. chairs!" He wrote a good many letters and I understood Bapu's agony. slept for an hour in the afternoon. Many times he attached high This was real rest after much importance to very small matters. fatigue. He went to the prayer Bapuji was having his bath while meeting at Howrah Maidan at 5 Shrimati Juthika Roy sang her p.m. Shaheed Saheb in his speech sweet devotional songs outside his laid emphasis on communal unity bathroom. He was highly pleased. and said, "I have no doubt in my How precious was time for him! mind, that if it had not been for Bapu's presence here, Howrah He could not spare special would have been burnt to ashes. time to hear her sing, so he Let no one feel excited over the requested her to do so while he happenings in the Punjab. If you bathed. He could hear her well. preserve peace here, Punjab will It was ten in the morning. revert to peace of its own accord. Someone had phoned the Home Mahatmaji has sanctified our Minister, Annada Chaudhuri that atmosphere. May Allah preserve Bapu had been 'shot'! He ran to us, this sanctity. "Jai Hind"." scared. He told Bapu about it. Having discussed communal Bapu laughed, amused, and said, unity, Bapu said, "A few persons "Whence can I have the rare from the Punjab came to me and fortune of being killed with a told me that Jawaharlal had gone bullet?" there. They pressed me also to go Prayers were held at the there. I told them that I would go Monument at 5 p.m. Prior to only when I would feel like doing prayers, Bapu was presented with it, completing my work here. I an Address in a silver casket. He have served the Punjab well. I do immediately auctioned the casket not belong to Gujarat alone but to for the Harijan Fund. each and every province. 25 August - In Calcutta The people were standing in (Beliaghata); Manu records - silence in pouring rain to hear Bapu. He asked their pardon and Having looked into some said, "That you have chosen to correspondence after the morning stand in such heavy rains shows the intensity of your regard for me. Colony. Having returned from I feel ashamed of sitting in comfort there at 8.30 he took his massage whilst you are being drenched. I and bath. Interviews started at am convinced that true love never 9.45. harms any one. I request you to - visits Tuberculosis kindly forgive me." Hospital at Jadavpur; Manu Bapu did his spinning after records - returning from the prayer meeting. It being impossible to visit He discussed the Punjab situation each patient individually, we with some Muslim leaders. He visited only those who were took his walk at ten and went to serious. A few patients who could bed at 10-30 p.m. walk had assembled in a corner. 26 August - In Calcutta Bapu gave them a common (Beliaghata); Manu records - message: "May God save you." Last night Bapu did not sleep On returning home, Bapu properly. He woke at 1 o'clock and wrote some important letters. He put on the light. This woke me up. took half an hour's walk at 10 p.m. Bapuji asked me to go to sleep and Being extremely tired, he took himself started dealing with arrears milk and fruit. of work. He worked up to 1.30 27 August - In Calcutta a.m. and then lay down. I pressed (Beliaghata); Manu records - his legs, back and head. Bapu said, "I am very much dejected. How As usual woke up at 3.30 a.m. can I convince others if I cannot After prayers Bapu began writing convince my own people? But one letters. He found time for writing who has dedicated his all to God only in the morning. The rest of should not worry. This shows that the day he was busy meeting perhaps I have not got complete visitors. This left him no time faith in God. If I can develop that either for reading or writing. faith, if I can be "sthitapradna", I Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bapu shall simply dance with joy. I have followed his daily routine of been striving for it but it demands interviews, rest, meal, application patience." of mud-plaster, and spinning. Prayers were held at 5 p.m. at the Bapuji slept at 2. a.m. and Khidirpur grounds. Khidirpur is a woke up again at 3.30 a.m. for labour area. prayers. He did not sleep again after prayers but started to work. Addressing them, Bapu said, He went for a walk to the Harijan "Labourers must not fight among themselves. Worshipping an idol for a walk at 7 a.m. During his or repeating the Namaz is a meal he had letters read aloud to personal affair. There should be no him and dictated replies to them. distinction made, on a communal He took some rest. It was past basis in payment of wages. Greater noon by this time. He then had a skill would earn more. But I would discussion with Suhrawardy. like the employer to be himself a Representatives of various bodies labourer, and a trustee of came for interviews one after labourers. This is my ideal." another. Today's prayer meeting Shaheed Suhrawardy spoke was held at the Science College. about communal unity and Bapu addressed the boys and appealed to all the people to work girls as follows: under one flag. Accepting the "My association with students responsibility for the insanitary goes back to several years when conditions prevailing in the labour none of you had been born. Hence area, he said, "This filth has been I am no stranger to you. Your here for years. It was my duty to Vice-Chancellor had complained remove it during my Premiership. to me that you are undisciplined. It But I am sorry to say that Hindu- is a good thing to accept some Muslim riots broke out within two one's control willingly. Every one months of my being installed as should accept his teacher's control. Premier. I could do nothing. But Far from being degrading, it will you must have patience. Things lead to self-restraint. He is no will be all right soon." As this was student who does not practise self- a predominantly Muslim area he discipline." explained the importance of the slogan "Jai Hind". Bapu requested Suhrawardy to abstain from making a speech We returned home at 9 p.m. today, as the students were in an Bapu took some rest, ate fruit and excitable frame of mind. We milk, had a walk, discussed certain returned home at 9 p.m. Bapu matters with Shaheed Suhrawardy wrote out his lecture and had a and went to bed at 10.30 p.m. discussion with Shaheed Saheb. 28 August - In Calcutta He took a walk at ten and went to (Beliaghata); Manu records - bed aft 10.30 p.m. Prayer at 3.30 a.m. Bapu 29 August - In Calcutta wrote articles for Harijan and (Beliaghata); Manu records : dictated some letters. He wrote a Bapu woke up today at 2.30 long letter to Jawaharlalji. He went a.m. He started on his writing at once, as work had accumulated. talked to Mr. Horace The rest proceeded according to Alexander 19 while taking his routine from 3.30 onwards. It meal. After he left at 12 noon, included interviews, writing, rest Bapu began his silence and busied etc. between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. himself with writing for Harijan Today's prayer meeting was till 3 p.m. with some rest in the held at 5 p.m. at Tollygunge. middle. There were three to five 'Vande Mataram' was sung at the interviewers. end of the prayer. The prayer meeting was held Bapu spoke a great deal about at 5 p.m. at Balasore, which is communal unity also. Some sixteen miles from Calcutta. Christians who came to meet Bapu - Randolph Churchill 20 , asked, "The Hindus will stay in son of Winston Churchill, calls. Hindustan and the Muslims will go The Ruling Chief of Rangpur in to Pakistan. But what about us?" Orissa calls and asks if the new Bapu said in reply, "You Indian State would stand by the would never ask such a question if Princes after accession. Gandhi you thought of yourselves as part says the new Union will give the of the four hundred million Princes 'full support in vindicating Hindustanis." the liberty of their subjects' We returned home at 9.45. 31 August - In Calcutta p.m. As Bapu had not found any (Beliaghata); Manu records : time during the day, he did his Prayer and other routine spinning now. He then took a walk matters were observed from 3.30 and went to bed at 10.30 p.m. a.m. onwards. Bapu carried on his 30 August - In Calcutta daily work in spite of his cold. He (Beliaghata); Manu records - has decided to go to Noakhali. He After prayers, Bapu wrote for discussed the matter with Shri Harijan . He went for a walk at Charubabu Choudhari 21 and 6.30 a.m. and then had his Pyarelalji 22 who had come to massage, bath etc. as usual, and meet him..

19. Horace Alexander (1889-1989) born in England, studied history at King's College, Cambridge, life-long member of the Religious Society of Friends, pacifist and campaigner for Indian independence. 20. Randolph Churchill (1911-1968), Member of the British Parliament (Conservative). 21. Charu Choudhury (1901-1990), Gandhi's associate in Noakhali who remained there after Partition. 22. Pyarelal (1899-1982). Participated in all movements led by Gandhi from 1920 onwards, secretary to Gandhi after Mahadev Desai's demise for 27 years. Was among the 79 Dandi Satyagrahis in 1931. Principal biographer of Gandhi in 'The Last Phase' and 'The Early Phase' volumes. There were visitors continuously Manu records further - from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He went to A wounded man came here the Grand Hotel at 3.30 p.m. The tonight. He had fallen down from a tradition of the Hotel had so far tram and had been injured. But been that no Indian could enter its people beat him and forced him to precincts state that he had been assaulted by - Muslims present a Musulmans. Some boys brought felicitatory message; things him here in procession at 10 p.m. suddenly take a turn for the worse; Bapuji was sleeping. I woke up Manu records- due to the noise and went outside. Abhaben was already there at the Bapu had thought of going to door trying to pacify the crowd. I Noakhali this month. But he had to joined her in pacifying them and postpone his departure because of said, "Your noisy demonstration is the outbreak of communal riots in painful both to the wounded man Calcutta. He had stayed at and Bapuji. Besides, we cannot Beliaghata in Calcutta and had hear what you have to say. You established peace in the riot- may, therefore, select two affected city. One does not know if representatives from amongst you Bapu has to face any further test. to explain matters to Abhaben, Since the time Bapuji plunged into who being a Bengali will the problem of communal riots understand you fully. And then we everyone was expecting him to shall communicate your message undertake a fast at any moment. to Gandhi." During the massacre in Bihar it was expected every day that Bapu But it was impossible to would go on a fast. But God's check the boys. ways are different to that of man. It was 10 o'clock at night. Bapu was spared the ordeal of a There were only three of us in the fast in Bihar. But the fasting came whole building - Bapuji, Abhaben, when it was least expected; the test and myself. Shaheed Suhrawardy of Bapu's Truth was established at had gone out. Pyarelalji, the beginning of this month; he Nirmalbabu, and Charubabu - who succeeded so well that here has not had come to request Bapu to go to been any further communal riot in Noakhali - had also gone out. We Calcutta since then, due, of course, were busy preparing for our trip to to the penance of the great saint. Noakhali, the following morning. But what was proposed by man was to be disposed by God.

The boys soon increased in not hit anyone; otherwise the numbers. They started breaking hands of Hindu boys might have things. Stones were hurled at shed Bapu's blood. When I lamps and window panes, consider how Bapu ultimately met shattering them to pieces, there his death at the hands of a Hindu, I were two Musulmans in the house feel that this incident was an who were our hosts. The boys indication. wanted to catch and kill them. Bapu said with a voice full of They were running helter-skelter. extreme grief, "My God is asking Bapuji had a very bad cold, me 'where are you?' I am and he was also observing silence. extremely grieved. Is this the peace He got up and came out. Abhaben you have preserved from the 15th and I were surrounded by the of August?" crowd. But a few among them, Some of the military force kindly disposed, suggested that we arrived, and dispersed the unruly go inside the house. They were boys. Tear gas was used outside trying to save us from the anger of the building. We went inside at the crowd. Bapuji in the meantime about half past twelve. Bapuji arrived at the door and we called Pyarelal and Charubabu. He immediately went to him. said to them, "How can I go to Bisenbhai 23 was with us. The Noakhali tomorrow? Do you think crowd mistook him for a it proper that I should do so now? I Musulman and tried to assault him. do not know what God wills me to The boys in the meantime saw do . But, now, going to Noakhali is Bapuji ; this added to their out of the question." excitement. They began to shout In the meanwhile Ministers, even more loudly than before. including Prafullababu and Bapuji broke his silence and Annadababu, arrived. They told shouted thrice: "What is all this? Bapu that they were going to arrest Kill me, kill me I say ; why don't the Hindu Mahasabhaites. you kill me?" with these words he Bapu said, "You should not tried to rush amidst the crowd. We arrest them. Throw the stood in his way to stop him going. responsibility on their heads. Ask In the meantime one of the them what they want, peace or Musulmans staying in the house riots. Tell them that you want their ran and stood behind Bapu. Seeing help. See what reply they give." him one or two boys threw brick- bats at him. Fortunately, they did 23. Shivbalak Bisen substituted for N.K. Bose as a Bangla language tutor to Gandhi, accompanied Gandhi in the March 1947 tour of Bihar

.

The Ministers went away Bowbazar. News poured in every after being thus advised. It was ten minutes, adding greatly to 12.30 at night, still people were Bapu's mental disturbance. shouting outside and asked where Ordinarily, he took oranges or 'the ruffian' Suhrawardy was some other fruit every day at 2 hiding. It was not until 1.30 a.m. p.m. But when he heard this that the disturbance subsided. disturbing news he refused to take 1 September - In Calcutta anything. A few Musulmans who (Beliaghata); Manu continues : had returned to Beliaghata were attacked, and Nirmalbabu rushed All this happened at night. to their help. He made We had no idea as to what would arrangements to remove the happen the following day, for we Muslims to the Mohammedan area were all very anxious regarding the in a truck driven by his driver. repercussions of the previous Someone threw a bomb — from night's incident. above — on the truck as it passed He went for a walk at 7 a.m. and two persons were killed. When The military was posted again, but Bapu heard this he expressed his the people allowed us to walk in desire to see the victims. Abhaben peace. After the walk Bapu took had gone to the city to meet her his massage and bath. The news of uncle. The riots had started after the previous night's incidents had her departure. She had not returned spread ; people began to flock to even at 2 p.m. Bapu was naturally our residence. A chain of very anxious about her. He wrote a interviews started. Bapuji looked note to me as follows: extremely grieved and serious. He "You should remain at home. received a telegram from I shall go to see the victims with a Jawaharlal to which he replied that few others." I refused to remain he could not start immediately behind. Bapuji, Nirmalbabu, owing to the previous night's Shailenbhai 24 and I then left the happenings. They were discussed house. It was an awful sight to see with different visitors. At 1.45 blood gushing out of the chests of p.m. Bapuji lay down to rest with a the victims. Their bodies were mud-plaster on his abdomen. He, covered with flies. Their eyeballs however, received news that there had been cut through. They had been an outbreak of riots all over the city including crowded seemed to be labourers. localities like Badabazar and

24. Sailen Chatterjee (1923-2001) journalist with AP who covered the Noakhali tour. A four anna piece was lying near large scale, though they had not, as one of them. It had obviously yet, broken the peace so far. One fallen out of the waist band of his Marwari gentleman asked if his torn dhoti. We could not bear the community could be of any sight of extreme grief on Bapu's service. face. He was deeply pained at the Bapu replied, "As long as I plight of these innocent men. I myself do not take any step, I have could bear the sight of the dead no right to tender any sort of bodies, but I could not bear the advice to others." pitiable sight of Bapu's face. We When I asked him what he returned home after seeing those would eat he wrote in reply, "It is two dead bodies. Shri Sailen impossible for me to eat anything Chatterjee asked Bapu what the in this condition of grief. Even my latter proposed doing and whether eating in the morning was a he would undertake a fast. Bapu mistake. There is no end to human wrote in reply, "You have guessed folly. That is why man has to correctly. I am praying within suffer." myself. We have to see whether I receive any light by tonight." After the visitors had departed, Bapu took a stroll. Then, Shaheed Saheb, N. C. he took some hot water with Chatterjee and many others came glucose. He did not eat anything. while we were praying. All of Then came the statements. Shri them reported on the condition Shyamaprasad Mukherji also pertaining in the city. They were of issued his statement. Rajaji came the unanimous opinion that the at 10 p.m. He left at 12 midnight, Hindus had gone mad. But the after a closed-door discussion 25 Muslims too were making preparations for retaliation on a 25. Pyarelal recounts this discussion in Mahatma Gandhi - The Last Phase (Navajivan, 1958) thus: When Rajaji came in at 10 p.m. Gandhiji showed him his draft. Glancing through it Rajaji, with his usual affectionate banter, remarked: "You don't expect me to approve of your proposed step." Together they took stock of the situation and thrashed threadbare the issues at stake. Rajaji: "Can one fast against the goondas?" Gandhiji: "I want to touch the hearts of those who are behind the goondas. The hearts of the goondas may or may not be touched. It would be enough for my purpose if they realize that society at large has no sympathy with their aims or methods and that the peace-loving element is determined to assert itself or perish in the attempt." Rajaji: "Why not wait and watch a little?" Gandhiji: "The fast has to be now or never. It will be too late afterwards. The minority community cannot be left in a parlous condition. My fast has to be preventive if it is to be of any good. I know I shall be able to tackle the Punjab too if I can control Calcutta. But if I falter now, the conflagration may spread, and son I can see clearly, two or three Powers will be upon us and thus will end our short-lived dream of independence." Rajaji: "But supposing you die, the conflagration would be worse." Gandhiji: "At least I won't be a living witness of it. I shall have done my duty. More is not given to a man to do." Rajaji capitulated. In the draft Gandhiji had reserved to himself the liberty to add sour lime juice to water during the fast to make the water drinkable. He had developed a queer allergy to plain water ever since his first fourteen days' fast in South Africa. It brought on nausea. Rajaji: "Why add sour lime juice to water if you are to put yourself entirely in God's hands?" Gandhiji: "You are right. I allowed it out of weakness. It jarred on me even as I wrote it. A Satyagrahi must hope to survive his conditional fast only by the timely fulfillment of the terms of his fast." And so the portion referring to the sour lime juice was scored out and the unadulterated venture of faith commenced. It was past eleven when Rajaji left with the final statement. It was released to the Press the same night. In a supplementary statement to the Press, Rajaji said that if trouble had not broken out in Calcutta, Gandhiji would have gone to the Punjab. It was in their hands to send him to the Punjab. "The women and children of the Punjab are eagerly looking forward to his presence in their midst and to the healing influence of his word and spirit. Let us send him with the laurels of victory round his aged brow to that afflicted Province." 2 September - In Calcutta with Bapuji and a few others. (Beliaghata) Abhaben and I considered the possible result of these - fast continues; the riots deliberations when we were cool down; Manu writes - overcome by sleep. When Rajaji Shaheed Saheb issued a left at midnight, Bapuji woke us statement addressed to the Muslim and said, "You should not prepare population of East Bengal any food for me from tomorrow appealing to them to remain onwards." Being aroused from peaceful. He made a similar appeal sleep we looked at him in to the Muslims of West Bengal. consternation. We did not Rajaji said in his statement, "I have immediately understand what he failed in dissuading Bapu from meant. I then asked, "But why undertaking the fast. But I may Bapuji?" Bapu replied, "I am assure you that if you can preserve starting my fast tomorrow." peace he intends going to the Abhaben asked, "For how Punjab. The women and children many days?" Bapu replied, "There of that province are longing for his is no fixed limit ; fasting will darshan. It depends on you continue until peace is established. whether or not he goes there. We I shall take nothing but water. I must save Bapu from this fast." may use soda-bi-carb or lemon, if Volunteers of the Peace necessary. I shall succeed or I shall Brigade circled the city throughout die. I cannot but die if peace is not the night. News kept coming that to come." the city was still ablaze. Abhaben and I just stared at Nirmalbabu had gone to the house each other. of Saratbabu 26 . 26. Sarat Chandra Bose (1889-1950), elder brother of Subhas Chandra Bose and prominent leader, member of the first Union Cabinet. Bapu got up at 8 a.m. Then he Bapuji finished drinking his took his massage, bath etc. Dr. water at 12.30 p.m. taking an hour Dinshaw Mehta 27 examined him. to do so. He directed that either Heart beats were missing at Abha or I should remain nearby to intervals. Dr. Mehta told Bapu that render him ready service. (We had, he should drink more than four of course, arranged our turns for bottles of water. (Each bottle was being in attendance). It seems of one pound). Bapu said, "Let me Bapuji has now started feeling see how much I can drink. If only weak. His voice has become very the name of Rama were to possess low. He examined Shyamaprasad my mind, there will be no Mukherji's statement at 1 p.m. necessity for any effort on my part. Then having rested up to 1.30 p.m. I am extremely calm today. I he took 8 ounces of hot water. would have had no sleep if it were Bisenbhai brought news that not so." There were heavy rains as shooting and plundering were the if Nature too was shedding tears ; order of the day in Zachariah everything was full of sorrow. Street. What could be done? The Having finished his bath by 10.30 military, who had entered the a.m. Bapu took his usual seat in Masjid, were harassing the people. the room. He took eight ounces of Bapuji sent Bisenbhai. We had no plain hot water and took a long provisions in our house. time to drink it. Nirmalbabu Biamma 29 who had undertaken to returned from Saratbabu's house. supply us everything, had arranged He brought the news "The to send us the stores, but as disturbance was started by the shooting was going on on the Sikhs and the Biharis. Bengalis Sealdah Bridge, the car bringing joined them subsequently. the provisions had to go back. Plundering is still going on on an extensive scale. They have burnt a We read a few letters to Muslim hotel at the Sealdah Bapuji at 2 p.m. We could hear the station." Saratbabu thinks that sound of frequent shooting in the there is a particular set of people afternoon. who are behind all this. He has even got their names. The Hindus stabbed Sachin Mitra 28 to death when he went to establish peace. Many others have also been wounded. 27. Dr. Dinshaw K. Mehta of Nature-Cure Clinic, Poona. 28. Sachin Mitra (1909-1947) and Smritish Banerjea (1910-1947) who was killed similarly, have become martyrs to the cause of communal harmony. 29. Affectionately called by that name, a member of the family that owned Hydari Manzil.

Bapu : “What can we do me. I too might have lost my life now?” on the 31st!” Saratbabu : “Are you allowed Prafullababu : “I have nothing to speak?” to say regarding your having Bapu : “I must speak when started the fast from yesterday. But necessary. Rajaji argued with me it would have been better if you for two hours, but he did not had informed us and shown us succeed. Being extremely your statement before you sent it to intelligent, he advanced a number the Press.” of arguments. But my mind Bapu : “I too think that you refused to accept any of them. ought to have been informed Rajaji ultimately sent a telegram to before publishing it in the Press. Jawaharlal. I told him that I could But I saw that things were terrible. not leave Bengal in its present I was considering what my duty condition.” should be. Rajaji came. He sat for It was 5.15 now and two hours. He is a learned and kind Prafullababu came with other person. But none of his arguments members of the Ministry. appealed to me. When I undertook Saratbabu then rose to take his a fast in the Yeravda Prison, leave promising to do his best to Devadas and Lakshmi wept like maintain peace and look after the children, but their tears had no volunteers. effect on me. If I had given in I would have failed in my duty. I Bapu : “I had myself sent back drank water by means of a tube at the military from here. But, 5.30. If I do not take water I would unfortunately, it has come back to not last long. I want to live for a protect Suhrawardy, as he is afraid. week or so to see peace It was God's kindness that he was established. If, however, nothing absent on Monday, the 31st. I happens within a week I see no cannot say what would have chance of peace ever returning to happened if he were here. He had Calcutta, and I do not wish to live gone home to make preparations to be a witness to such a state of for the Noakhali tour. But now you affairs. It would be better if God better leave, lest these Ministers took me away within this period.” get cross with you as well as with 3 September - In Calcutta Someone brought the news that (Beliaghata); Manu continues - looting continued up to midnight In the morning Bapu told Dr. after which there had been peace. Dinshaw Mehta: "I passed the Bapu said, "If looting continued night without any trouble. I can throughout the day what more drink water also. I am enjoying could they do after midnight? Must greater peace of mind during this not goondas too have some sleep?" fast than I ever did during He then warned both of us again, preceding ones. I do not feel any saying, "I depend exclusively on impatience regarding the you two. I can of course do termination of my fast. If this without you, but now that you are condition continues, I hope to be here, I rely upon you. If you fall able to sustain myself even for a sick, it will mean my death." month, in spite of the weakening Mridulaben phoned from of the body." Bihar at 9 a.m. She enquired about Dr. Mehta interpreted this in a Bapu's health, and informed us that different light and said, "Yes, there the fast was having a very good would be no difficulty if you effect on Bihar. Bapu did not have continue drinking water as at a shave today. He said he would present." have one only after the termination of his fast. Bapu said, "What I mean is something else. I feel that God is Referring to his twenty-one with me. What would He have me days' fast in the Aga Khan Palace, do? And if His name fills my mind Bapu said, "I wanted to survive I would not require even water." that fast, which was directed against the despotism of Nirmalbabu had arrived in the Linlithgow. Regarding this fast, I meanwhile. He described the do not care whether I live or die. situation in the city. Bapu went for Of course I hope that peace is his massage at 6.15. Dr. Mehta established and that I may be able examined him. The blood pressure to live. But this fast will not go was 98/154. The heart beats were beyond ten days. There shall either the same as yesterday. Massage be peace within that period or else was finished at 8 o'clock . He took I shall die. I know, from personal his Bengali lesson and slept for a experience of a number of while during the massage. He instances where ruffians have been finished his bath at 10 a.m. and converted to peaceful ways. I am a went to his usual seat. He seemed person who has had occasion to to feel weak while walking. live amongst ruffians." Bapuji drank eight ounces of Abhaben replied, "Oh, yes, hot water at 10.15 a.m. Shri Tushar we have got one." Kanti Ghose brought news that the Bapu said, "You should both atmosphere in the city was eat neem leaves. Ba survived improving. He said, "We should because she ate those leaves. I was like to snap your photo, which will her doctor in South Africa. There help us a good deal in our work for was no one else. I used to pluck peace." neem leaves, extract the juice, and Bapu said, "I do not want to make Ba drink it. On the thirteenth terminate my fast by making use of day Ba told me that she was my picture in this way. The fast feeling hungry and would like to should end only when the people eat something. I gave her fruit. are convinced that what they have Gradually I started giving her been doing is wrong." banana and groundnut cake. She We could hear the noise of a ate them. I then took her to Cape procession. A Muslim gentleman Town." came and said that bullets fired The talk concerning Ba from the Hospital at 9 o'clock had continued for some time. Bapu has wounded four persons and killed been feeling the loss of Ba very four or five others. He requested much! This is his first fast after her Bapu to send his men to inquire death. One or two persons into the matter. suggested that they would like to Bapu said, "Am I not doing stay with Bapu in order to render my best to stop the riots? That is him service whenever he required why I have undertaken this fast." it. Bapu said, "You need not stay here to serve my body. If you The Muslim gentleman said, really wish to serve me, you "God forbid that anything should should go to the areas where riots happen to you. If so, a great are going on and try to establish catastrophe will befall us." peace. That would indeed be real Bapu said, "You need not service in my opinion." explain all this to me." A joint procession of both While Bapu was sitting up at Hindus and Muslims started from a quarter to five, he asked, "What Beliaghata at 6.30. The tree is this?" processionists rushed inside to have Bapu's darshan. He said, "I I replied, "It is a litchi tree." shall stand in front of the window "Is there no neem tree here?" while you pass by if you preserve complete silence and do not shout slogans." The leaders of the the article for Harijanbandhu procession said, "We cannot take translated. Rajaji came at 7.15. He that responsibility. It will be said, "There is more peace in the troublesome for Gandhi if city today. The people as well as someone shouts a slogan." Hence the military are trying to protect two Hindu and one Muslim leaders the people of both the of the procession came in to meet communities." Bapu. The Muslim friend was 4 September - In Calcutta weeping. He said, "Please give up (Beliaghata); Government reports your fast. We were with you in the to Gandhi that not one incident has Khilafat fight. I take the taken place in the Muslim areas responsibility of seeing that no Muslim in this locality creates any Manu continues - disturbance." The Hindu leader Today is the fourth day of also promised to preserve unity. It Bapu's fast. He got up as usual at was thus on the evening of the 3.30 a.m. for prayers. The song second day of the fast that the Charan Kamal Bandaun was sung. foundation of the hope for peace Bapu slept again at quarter to six was laid by Hindus and Muslims and got up at six o'clock. He drank by pledging themselves to Bapu. six ounces of hot water. He took Bapu replied, "I cannot massage, and bath, etc. between 6 terminate my fast unless the whole and 9.45 a.m. He slept for a while of Calcutta fulfils the condition during the massage. He drank hot which I have placed before you all. water again at 9.45 after which he I have taken to fasting with God as slept again for 45 minutes. Today my witness. God will preserve me he is feeling weaker and has a and will guide you on to the right lower blood pressure. The pulse is path if He wants me to render still rapid and he feels giddy when he greater service. Moreover, my fast stands up. Drops of oil with garlic can terminate only if the feelings were put into his ears to relieve a that you have expressed today are queer sensation he felt. His voice evident in the minds of goondas as has become very low. God alone well. My breaking the fast merely knows when he will come out of at your behest will mean that I this ordeal. have forgotten my God." These While in this state of health, words satisfied the leaders. Bapu issued a statement that Bapu encouraged them to nobody should rush to his bedside. work with greater zeal. We had prayers at 7 o'clock. Bapu then had S. P. Abdulla 30 of Noakhali only when my mind tells me that arrived at 10.45 a.m. Bapu said, you are protecting them, and that "How wonderful! I was just permanent peace has been wondering how I could arrange to established." meet him, when he has arrived of At 2 o'clock a leader of the his own accord." Bapu talked to goondas who had instigated riots him for 5 or 7 minutes. He again in Barabazar, came to meet Bapu. started his work for the He confessed all his crimes and Harijanbandhu . At 12 noon came promised to hand over all his a party of 35 goondas. Dr. Sinha weapons to Bapu. He posted two was with us. He requested Bapu of his boys to guard each of the not to talk. Bapu stated that he Muslim shops. Then at 3.30 p.m. would continue his talks in the came a third party. The leader of fulfilment of his mission even up this party also confessed his crime to his last breath. The 35 men and said, "Punish me. I and my confessed that they had committed whole party are ready to suffer any murders and asking to be pardoned punishment that you may give, but requested Bapu to terminate his please break your fast." Bapu said, fast. It is impossible to describe in "My only punishment for you is words this wonderful sight. It that you should go to the could only be understood by those Musulmans and serve them. I shall who actually saw it. It was a vivid end my fast the moment I am picture of the victory that a small convinced that your hearts are frail human being had been able to genuinely changed. But you have achieve, through sheer love, over to work with speed, for I am goondas who always perpetrated impatient to go to the Punjab. My inhuman crimes. On one side was desire to live is due to my Bapu lying on his bed with his impatience to go to the Punjab. If emaciated body, while opposite to you delay your mission, I shall not him were able-bodied but shame- be able to sustain myself very faced men requesting Bapu, with long." folded hands, to terminate his fast! Sir S. Radhakrishnan arrived Bapu said, "This alone is not at 4 p.m. He bowed low before enough for the termination of the Bapu and took his leave after fast. All of you must go to the saying these few words: "May God Muslims and offer your services to give you life for the sake of the them. As the Muslims are a country." minority here they must be protected. I shall break my fast 30. A Superintendent of Police who was on duty in Noakhali during Gandhi's stay there, becoming an ardent friend. Many people kept coming for Shaheed Saheb : "Suppose we darshan up to 5 p.m. At 5.30 I die, why should there be any need received a note from Rajaji stating for you to fast unto death? Is it that there was peace in the city and proper that you should take such a that the atmosphere was full of joy. vow?" He would come to meet Bapu at Bapu : "For the simple reason night. Bapu was happy to read this that it is the gentlemen goondas note. After 5.40 he slept for a few who are the real creators of minutes. He was extremely tired. trouble. A big city like Calcutta is At 6 p.m. Shri Surendra Mohan bound to have many thieves and Ghose, N.C.Chatterjee and plunderers. God has not yet given Shaheed Saheb arrived with me the power to win them over. representatives of Hindus, Sikhs But Hindu-Muslim unity has been and Muslims. One of the Sikhs my passion since my childhood. said, "Kindly break your fast. We What I mean is that there should shall take the responsibility for no longer be any more Hindu- whatever happens henceforth." All Muslim riots in Calcutta in spite of the others also promised in a like the worst sort of situations in other manner. Bapuji spoke for twenty- parts of the world. I shall terminate five minutes. my fast if all of you accept this "You argue that these riots are responsibility and give it to me in not communal, but they are the writing." work of goondas only. Are we not At ten o'clock at night many responsible for the existence of the persons came with their weapons - goondas? They cannot come into rifles, cartridges, bombs etc. Bapu being of their own accord. I had looked at them with interest, and two goondas with me at Rajkot. I asked the owners if they were in took them to South Africa. They the least sorry to surrender them. were ultimately improved and saw They replied that they were not. their mistake and when they came Bapuji slept at 11.30 p.m. We to meet me again at Sabarmati, heaved a sigh of relief at the they told me that they were no dispersal of the dark clouds which longer goondas. Thus, we had gathered during the seventy- ourselves are the makers and three hours of the fast, and redeemers of the goondas. They expressed our sincerest gratitude to cannot do anything by themselves. God. You request me to break my fast - Fast broken at 9 p.m. because of your love for me…" - Manu continues - This long talk exhausted arrange a prayer. There was the Bapu. He started uttering Rama, usual prayer and the recitation of Rama. He was feeling giddy and Ramanama. Shaheed Suhrawardy extremely restless. Abhaben and I then offered Bapu a glass had been supporting him. He tried containing one ounce of sweet to lie down one moment and got lemon juice exactly at 9.15 and up the next. He kept turning his having bowed down to him in the rosary. All the visitors went to Hindu style burst into tears. another room to decide what they When, after these words should do. The leaders among spoken in Hindi, Bapu started them were Rajaji, Kripalaniji, drinking the juice, all the people Prafullababu and Shaheed Saheb. uttered simultaneously the name of After an hour's discussion Narayan. The atmosphere was at Nirmalbabu was the first to come once filled with joy. I ran to phone in. All the leaders had given in the persons concerned, but I could writing that peace would be not get my turn on the phone. It preserved in Calcutta, and that they was after half an hour that I got a would take the responsibility if chance to use it ; I communicated anything untoward were to happen. the good news to Maniben Patel, They were prepared to die before Rajkumariben and others. Needless any one else. The paper was signed to say that all of them were most among others by Shri pleased to hear what I had to tell N.C.Chatterjee, Suhrawardy, them. Surendra Mohan Ghose, Saratchandra Bose, Sardar Bapu said to Rajaji, "I wish to Niranjan Singh Talib, Devendra start for the Punjab tomorrow." Nath Mukarji and R.K. Jaidka. Kripalaniji objected to his leaving so soon. Shaheed Saheb suggested The following was the exact a compromise, saying, "How can wording: you go away without attending a 'We, the undersigned, public prayer meeting? If we promise to Gandhiji that peace and arrange one tomorrow people will quiet have been restored in crush you with affection. Let us Calcutta once again. We shall hold it the day after." never again allow communal strife 5 September - In Calcutta in the city. And shall strive unto (Beliaghata) death to prevent it.' - Goondas surrender more This document was signed by arms; Manu records - the above mentioned persons. After this, Bapu directed that we Bapu went through his usual communal flames. He routine of massage, bath etc. congratulates the Shanti Sena on between 6.30 and 9.35 a.m. after its good work during the last few which he took some soup and days. After the meeting he visits mashed vegetables. By the time he the Leprosy Hospital at Gobra finished his meal, more rioters had 7 September - Leaves for come to surrender their weapons to Delhi; Manu writes : him. Officers receiving salaries worth thousands had been This being Bapu's last day in employed to catch them, but they Calcutta we found it very difficult were now caught and brought to to stop the crowds of people who Bapuji by the power of his love. kept coming for his darshan. Bapu Some surrendered weapons were finished his massage and bath large stenguns and spears. Others between 9 and 10 a.m. The crowd were rifles, knives, cartridges and outside was as large as before and bombs. the people sat in the hot sun. Bapu went to the door to meet them. At In the afternoon Bapu went 10 a.m. he ate a chapati, some through Nirmalbabu's article for vegetables, milk and fruit in small Harijan regarding the fast. quantities. Shaheed Saheb came to consult Bapu as to what he should do. Abhaben and I started Bapu advised him that he should packing up for the journey. We overcome greed for power if he had to collect every little thing of really wanted to be redeemed. Bapu's daily use. There would be Shrimati Renuka Roy requested no end to our plight if we were to Bapu for a message to students. He lose even a small thing! Bapu had the sentence "My life is my started his period of silence and message" translated into Bengali worked for Harijanbandhu and gave it to her. between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Ministers accompanied by Shankarrao Deo and Kripalaniji came at 1.30. They were with him up to nearly 3 p.m. After this, Bapu rested for some time and 6 September - Immensely crowded then he went out among the meeting at Maidan. Gandhi refers crowds who were waiting for his to the martyrdom of Sachin Mitra darshan. He held prayers on the and Smritish Banerjea who were ground in front of the house at 4 done to death as they were dousing p.m. He spoke only a few words after the prayer. He appealed to all Excerpts to preserve peace. There was much from noise as the place was too small to contain the big crowd of My Days With Gandhi thousands. Moreover, Bapu was by extremely tired. Nirmal Kumar Bose At 8.30 p.m. some girls came (Orient Longman, 1953) with garlands and bouquets to bid farewell to Bapu. A small one Beliaghata, Sunday, 7-9-1947: from amongst them offered him arati. Bapu said to her, "Child, put out this lamp and give the whole Arrangements had been made quantity of ghee therein to some by the Chief Minister, Prafulla poor man. How can you waste so Chandra Ghosh, to take Gandhiji much ghee in offering arati to me? by car to a station outside Calcutta The poor do not get a chance to from where he was to board the even see ghee these days." train for Delhi. Some were to accompany him to Delhi, others At 9 p.m. we reached Belur were to return from the railway station. Bapuji walked for a while station after seeing him off. I was as the train was to arrive after somehow forgotten by the some time. Shaheed Saheb and managers, and this was indeed other Ministers had come to see good for me. So, in a moment of him off. All of them bowed before quiet shortly before he left his Bapu and Shaheed Saheb's eyes residence in Beliaghata, I stepped were wet with tears when the train into his room in order to bid him pulled out of the platform. That a good-bye. He asked me if I was man like Suhrawardy should shed not coming; and when I told him tears seems improbable. The knife that I had apparently been of love prepared by Bapu out of forgotten and would prefer to Ahimsa and Satya had melted his salute him not in a crowd but hard-heart. rather alone, he allowed me to Our train started at 9.30 p.m. touch his feet for blessings. sharp. We were on our way to And thus I departed, destined Delhi. never to meet him again. * * * * * *

Excerpts Calcutta without giving the from citizens of Calcutta an opportunity to join you in a public prayer and Pyarelal’s thanksgiving. If we tried Mahatma Gandhi tomorrow, it would be simply impossible to control the delirious The Last Phase crowd. At the earliest it can be on Navajivan, 1958 the day after tomorrow." Others Seventy-three hours after it supported him. They did not tell was commenced, Gandhiji broke him what was uppermost in their the fast at 9.15 p.m. on the 4th minds, namely, that they were September by slowly sipping a deeply concerned about his glass of diluted orange juice. It undertaking a thousand-mile was preceded by a short prayer, in railway journey - within 24 hours which all present joined, followed of his breaking the fast - with by the singing of Tagore's song, enthusiastic crowds all along the "when the heart is hard and line. parched up, come upon me with a At half past ten at night shower of mercy"and Ramadhun. another group came to surrender Orange joice was handed by unlicensed weapons. Gandhiji said Shaheed Suhrawardy, who bowed to those who had brought them: at his feet and wept. "The surrender should be without A truck load of hand-grenades regret." and arms had in the meantime "We have no regret," they all arrived to be surrendered to answered together. Gandhiji as a token of repentance The next day - 5th September on the part of those who had taken - still another dump of country- part in the savagery of reprisals made arms - guns, swords, daggers and counter-reprisals. and cartridges - was similarly Before the leaders had surrendered. dispersed, Gandhiji called Rajaji to Suhrawardy came at midday. his side and said, "I am thinking of Their joint mission had ended. leaving for the Punjab tomorrow." What were Gandhiji's orders for Rajaji was in a fix. If the idea him next? - he asked. took hold of Gandhiji, it would bee Gandhiji: "If your conversion difficult to dislodge him from it. is sincere, do not again let yourself Suhrawardy tactfully came to the be tempted by power." rescue: "Sir, you cannot leave At the evening prayer took leave one after another. As gathering on the 6th September, the train started, Suhrawardy's eyes Gandhiji repeated the warning he were seen wet with tears - perhaps had given to the leaders at the time for the first time in his life in of the breaking of his fast. public like that. Suhrawardy after seconding Gandhiji's appeal announced that hee would be joining Gandhiji in * * * his Punjab mission, too. He had put himself unreservedly under Mahatmaji's orders. Thereafter he A DAY I REMEMBER would carry out his biddings. Saroj Mukherjee 31 On the 7th September, 'It was the best of times and Gandhiji's last day in Calcutta, at the worst of times' for, while India half past eight at night, some ladies would become free after years of came to bid him farewell by bondage, she would weep and her performing arti - the centuries-old heart would bleed for her children. ceremonial Hindu way of Their despairing cries would crush expressing devotion. The her newly-independent heart, their ceremony consists of waving lights anguish from soul-destroying loss fed with pure ghee round the head would tear her apart. This was not of the object of adoration. As they what she had waited for for so approached him bearing the salver long. on which the lights were placed, he stopped them. "Put out the lights, We were among the fortunate drain every drop of ghee into a ones, enjoying the fervour of vessel and distribute it to the rebirth, untouched, as we were, by poor," he said. the horrors of partition. We were all ready to celebrate 'Swaraj' at At 9 p.m. he boarded the the stroke of mid-night on 15th train for Delhi at Belur - a wayside August 1947. station - where he was taken to avoid the crowds at the Howrah We arrived in Calcutta on the station. Among those who saw 13th August, on our way to him off were the Chief Minister of Cuttack where my father (Dr. K.N. West Bengal with his fellow- Katju) was to take the oath as the Ministers and Shaheed Governor of Orissa. Our host in Suhrawardy. Reverentially they 31. Daughter of Dr. Kailas Nath Katju, the first Governor of Orissa after Independence and then Governor of West Bengal (1948-1951) Calcutta was Dr. P.C. Ghosh - the one room to another. There were then acting Chief Minister of West people huddled in groups, talking Bengal. Father asked him where it very softly to each other - some would be possible to go where just sat looking blankly ahead. Bapu (as he and many other, At last we reached the room addressed the Mahatma) was where Bapu was sitting with few staying to pay his respects and take others. He sat bare bodied, with his blessings before joining his just a short dhoti covering him new post. Dr. Ghosh, who seemed waist downwards. Father went to be a very relaxed and ahead and touched his feet while approachable person, agreed to we stood at a distance. He looked take us all to Beliaghata, where at father and said something softly Bapu was staying. I remember to him and just then pandemonium that journey very well, the streets broke loose. The crowd which were ominously deserted and those was outside had broken the few who we saw on the roads had security cordon and they came a dazed and frightened look. As rushing towards the house. we approached our destination, Suddenly they were outside the suddenly to our horror our car was long window of the room, shouting surrounded by many people and waving their black flags shouting 'Go back Gandhi, Go threateningly” ‘Gandhi go back' and waving black flags. back…….go back.’ Everyone Dr. Ghosh turned out to be a inside the room stood motionless miracle maker! While we all sat in as if turned to stone. Bapu looked the car with bated breath, he spoke up, standing slowly he moved to them in Bengali and suddenly towards the window, with his the crowd parted and allowed us to hands raised, trying to pacify them, proceed. "What did you say to but to no avail, as they would not them?", my father asked in let him speak. Their shouting amazement. became louder. He walked back, sat down and covered his ears with "I told them that you have his hands. There was no come to see Bapu from far and will movement or sound inside the be leaving this evening. I think room. they took pity on you. These are people from East Bengal who have I remember looking spell lost everything", he replied. The bound at Bapu then, and I have house where Bapu was staying as I looked back at that moment many, remember was an old, single- many times since. What I saw that storied building. We walked from day I have never forgotten. There was pain and anguish on his face made obeisance to her. She put her both caused by and for the people hand on my head and made me sit who were shouting and waving beside her. There was a look of black flags at him. Only if he surprise on her face when she saw could take away their sufferings me. Then, she gave me some good and like Lord Shiva swallow the news. Mahatma Gandhi used to poison himself. May be he did just listen to my songs everyday when that six months later. he was jailed in Pune. He used to *** start his prayer meeting every morning playing discs that played AN AUSPICIOUS DAY my bhajans. I would have never by Juthika Roy 32 known of these happenings. My pride and joy knew no bounds. I made obeisance to the God within In 1939 I received the first myself and said, "My singing of invitation to sing bhajans at the bhajans has been a great Allahabad Conference. There, I accomplishment. I'm blessed." was invited by Professor Deodhar Afterwards, Sarojini Naidu asked to sing in Bombay at his municipal me if I had ever met Mahatma school's charity function. From Gandhi. Ruefully, I said, "No, I that year onwards, I travelled to haven't had that good luck." She Bombay, Ahmedabad, Surat, then said, "Try to meet Bapuji and Baroda, Rajkot and the entire of let him listen to his favourite Gujarat every year. We went to bhajans." From then I began to try Hyderabad from Bombay in 1945 out means of meeting Bapuji. My to participate in a charity respect for Sarojini Naidu went up programme there. That was my many notches. I deemed myself first visit to Hyderabad. Our stay blessed by having her as a near was arranged at a swanky guest one. She was courageous, a house of a renowned zamindar scholar, patriot and poet whom I there. The next day, when I was adored from afar. I still cherish this preparing to rehearse with the valuable memory. It was 1947 accompanist, I heard that Sarojini (sic). The country was simmering Naidu had come to listen to me with satyagraha, civil sing bhajans. I was as much scared disobedience, non-cooperation, as elated. Upon entering the hall I Gandhiji's Quit India movement saw her sitting on a sofa; her and so on. daughter was sitting beside her. I 32. Juthika Roy ( b.1920) wrote this for us in Bengali. It was later translated by Dhruba Basu into English for The Statesman , of 4.8.2006. A highly-strung atmosphere sunbeams were brilliant. But prevailed. All were on tenterhooks suddenly, black clouds appeared ~ would the British rule really and covered the sky. It began to end? And it really ended. But then rain heavily. We were completely Hindu-Muslim riots started. A drenched. My uncle repeatedly shiver goes down my spine when I requested the gate-keeper to let us recall those days. No one can in but the keeper kept saying, "No, believe unless one sees those Bapuji hasn't ordered me to do so." brutalities, murders, beastliness But my uncle was not a man to with one's own eyes. Mahatma spare any effort. He then sternly Gandhi came to Calcutta at that said, "All right, go in and say time to quell the situation. He put Juthika Roy has come to meet up at a house in Beliaghata with Bapuji." The gatekeeper went in. his entourage. Bapuji was so busy We prayed that he would report with his work that he did not have correctly. Suddenly, we saw Manu even one minute to spare. I heard Gandhi and some volunteers that he would wake up every day rushing towards the gate with at 6 a.m. and go out for a morning some umbrellas. Manu Gandhi walk. He would join the prayer accosted me, made her obeisance meeting in the morning and and opened the gate. "Come in, evening. Taking Sarojini Naidu's please, all of you. I'm so sorry you advice, my parents decided to take are all drenched. Come inside and me to the Beliaghata house to meet sit." We all went in and took our Bapuji. My mother, brothers and seats. Then Abha Gandhi came and sisters, uncle and I reached said to me, "Bapuji has allowed Beliaghata at 7 a.m. We decided to your mother to go in with you." have his darshan from afar during We went in and saw Gandhiji his morning walk and offer our writing something sitting on a mat. obeisance to him. But, He was bare bodied, his face and unfortunately, when we reached his entire body were radiating the gate we heard that Bapuji had some strange light. There was no already taken his morning walk sign of tiredness on his person and was resting. We would have to even after so much of work. There wait three hours if we wanted to was a smile on her face, his eyes see him. Finding no other way, we were shining as if they were full of remained standing outside the gate love and were images of peace. I because it had been locked by felt it was our great good luck that then. Many others also remained for the first time we had darshan of standing along with us. The Mahatma Gandhi. I cannot fully express how elated I was. My mother and I made obeisance to Gandhi, Manu Gandhi and many Bapuji. He touched our heads to others among us. The Maidan was bless us, smiled and asked us to sit crowded and there was not an iota down using sign language. He was of space left in the ocean of observing silence on that day, people. The two sides of the road saying everything in writing. Abha were also crowded. Bapuji's car Gandhi was reading out his slowly proceeded towards the writings for us. She was of great Maidan. People welcomed him by help. throwing flowers and petals. A Abha Gandhi informed us that large number of people were Bapuji was busy but eager to listen conveying their respect to Bapuji. to my bhajans. So, he had decided That was an unforgettable that I would be singing while he spectacle and cannot be expressed was bathing in the next room. in words ~ it can only be felt. I still Bapuji went into the next room. I remember that living picture of went on singing one bhajan after crested reverence and euphoria for another without the help of any a leader of the people. Our car instrument. The songs were ~ stopped next to the dais in the "Mhane Chakar rakho ji", "Main Maidan. Bapuji climbed on the Ram nam ki churiyan pahenu", dais quickly, flinging his arms on "Ghunghat ka pat khol re", "Main the shoulders of Abha and Manu. I to wari jaun Ram", "Alo main apne was sitting at a corner of the dais. Ram", "Matja jogi mat ja" and The prayer meeting started with "Paga ghunghuru bandh Meera Ramdhum, then readings from the nachire". Bapuji came out after Gita. Then, Bapuji appealed to having his bath and stood in front people to maintain peace of us. I stopped singing made throughout the country. The prayer obeisance to him. He flashed a meeting ended with my singing of divine smile and blessed us by a bhajan. Soon, we came to the raising his hand. I said to myself Beliaghata house with Bapuji. A that my life was blessed today, so car was provided to drop us home. was my singing of the bhajan. My My long cherished ambition to see mind was filled with bliss. Later, Bapuji and to see him listen to my Abha told us that Bapuji had asked bhajans was fulfilled. I still us to join the afternoon prayer at 4 consider that day as an auspicious p.m. We arrived at the Maidan day in my life. from the Beliaghata house soon (courtesy : The Statesman ) after 4 p.m. with Bapuji to attend a prayer meeting. There was Abha

Excerpt and R.K. Shanmukham Chetty for From finance. This has been accepted. August 4, Monday RAJAGOPALACHARI Meetings every day studying -- A BIOGRAPHY -- these wretched partition problems. by My depression continues. C R Narasimhan Bad tooth pain has not Radiant Publishers, New Delhi, improved it. 1993 Devadas 33 says, "I suppose in Rajaji's Diary his usual way (you) offered to take what was left instead of joining in (1947) the scramble." He is not right but not wrong either. They wanted a fit and proper and acceptable man July 25, Friday for Bengal and they found nobody Terribly overworked. Having else. I accepted without demur Finance in addition to Industries though I did not like it. To that … extent what Devadas says is right. New Governors' names settled August 9, Saturday after long consultations these many In the throes of arrangements to days. Not a very bright list. New move to Calcutta. members of Cabinet not yet settled. Not likely to be a bright Had lunch with Mountbatten. list either. Pleasant chat with him before the lunch. Lady M is tremendously July 29, Tuesday proud and satisfied with their The proposal for West Bengal performances. Justified and Governorship has not been natural feeling. Sir Frank Wylie accepted by Gopalaswami Iyengar. U.P. Governor and his quiet wife. So they asked me to take it up! Pamela M as usual charming and What do I care what post it is they good. want me to take? So I said, yes. August 13, Wednesday Nobody likes it. But it is just the beauty of Karma Yoga! Did a lot of work these few days in both departments. South Advised offering places in the Indian send off. Bright big crowd. Cabinet to Dr. Ambedkar for law 33.Devadas Gandhi (1900-1957), Managing Editor of The Hindustan Times from 1937 to his death, Rajagopalachari's son-in-law and Gandhi's youngest son. Pattabhi spoke nicely. Midnight. Assumption oath Shanmugam Chetty has arrived and swearing-in of ministry. and is very happy. Bhabha and Properly done. On 15th, disorder, Pasha Bhai with him. but not a single hostile voice or show anywhere, although on 14th Chinese ambassador was very on way from Dumdum, "Go back" good and gave a good painting to groups greeted me at three or four carry with me and a poem for places. Remarkable Indian freedom autographed. demonstrations of Hindu-Muslim Grady American ambassador. joint participation in festivity. Good intelligent man. Flags everywhere on houses and on vehicles. Hindus and Muslims Lunch with Vallabhbhai. joining in everything. No incident August 14, Thursday in Calcutta as marked everyday Evening of 13, Cabinet until now. Rose water thrown by meeting. Bitter taste in mouth. Muslims on passing crowds. Fresh proofs cliquism on part of Everyone has joyful reports to some and culture and consideration make. Government House halls on part of others. Bad night and and corridors filled by friendly got up at five to get ready. mobs and darshan takers. A few thieves took advantage of the Left for Calcutta. Large send- situation and stole and threw about off at Palam aerodrome. things. The House and the S has behaved dishonestly grounds had to be cleared with and grieved me beyond measure. difficulty. Assembly address went off well. August 15, Friday August 16, Saturday Arrived at Dumdum aerodrome at 1.15 Bengal time on I went to Gandhiji's place and 14th. Met by Sir Frederick told him about the miracle he had Burrows and others. First sign of worked. He was of course very want of proper control. Crowds pleased but was anxiously rushing in round party arriving and wondering whether it will party appointed. Thorough continue. disorder unlike what it should be The problem for me is how to and would be in other places. cope with Government House At Sir Fredrick Burrows' table expenses. There is considerable for lunch. He is a good fellow. misunderstanding about these things. The public does not know not even leaders that a man can be General Bucher and his wife. ruined if he is appointed Governor. August 22, Friday Talking to the crowds at the Saw N.R. Sarkar at his house. several gates of Government Envied his small house. House on 16th evening as I strolled round I found they were delighted Tea with all the ministers, not with the situation. much impressed. Told S about his misconduct Sir B.N. Rau on his way to and said he must go back. Burma. Gave him a guide and escort to Gandhiji's camp. Public meeting on the 17th morning. Changed to new corner (Curzon) in second floor where Horace Alexander at tea, 34 17th. Papa has made best possible arrangements under circumstances. August 18, Monday She is poor thing struggling to Met Lord Addison, Dominion make everything as convenient as Secretary in the sea plane base. possible to everybody, which of Three hours late arrival. Had a course is not possible. nice chat. Charming old man of August 23, Saturday 78. Came to regular Governor's Evening of Monday (18th) I office (air-conditioned room) for went and saw Chief Justice Sir first time. Trevor Harris in his nursing home. Bright and active person. Premier. Partition Council of Bengal. Rakshit. Governor's Secretary. Nazimuddin, Premier E.P. August 19, Tuesday and his colleague Hamidul Haque. Rotary Club lunch. August 26, Tuesday August 20, Wednesday Premier. Hard day. Very Birla House, Friends tired at night. Ambulance Unit Home. August 27, Wednesday Gandhiji. Food conference. August 21, Thursday Industries Secretary Mr. S.K. Papers, Military Secretary. Governor's Secretary. Burdwan. 34.Namagiri (1906-1995), Rajaji's elder daughter. Chatterjee. Supplies, Mr. logic of freedom and democracy is A.D. Khan. gone. Wrote to Delhi about Deputy Vallabhbhai on phone. High Commissioners Pakistan and August 30, Saturday India. Premier. Hoosain Bhai Lalji, Mr. Sen, President Bengal Dr. Radhakumud Mookarji and his National Chamber of Commerce. newest book on ancient Indian Photographs, exhibition, good education. Mr. Kripalani (younger collection. Lady Ranu Mukerjee, brother of old Kripalani) of wife of Sir Biren Mukerjee, the Industries, Planning Secretary. industrialist. She brought quite a Has no interest in his work - looks lot of visitors to see me. up to going to Delhi. He is Secretary here for Agriculture, August 28, Thursday Forest and Fisheries. Rathindranath Tagore and his Randolph Churchill son of companions from Shanti Niketan. Winston. Mrs. Stella Kramrisch saw me Mr. Sopory, cement and presented me three fine marketing co's officer, bright volumes of hers and copies of young man. Mr. Bimal Sinha. journals of the Arts Society. Bright minister who will go. 35 Narasimhan arrived. August 31, Sunday August 29, Friday Listowel's flying boat late by French Consul-General Kolb- over 5 hours. So the party - Bernard. Listowel, Laithwaite and others - Ministers Kalipada Mukerjee stayed for the night in Government (Revenue) and Mohini Mohan House. Had a long and pleasant Burman (Judicial) chat with Listowel from 9 to 11. Terrible train catastrophe. Shyam Prasad Mukherjee. Sir Badrinath Goenka, A.P.I. Cinema charity show. and U.P.I at tea. Discussed the Most affectionate crowds. basic causes of our malady. Want September 1, Monday of trust between Hindus and Jinnah's broadcast is very Musalmans, a kind of fear rather good. than any wickedness. Can we shed this fear and live. Otherwise the Premier.

35 C.R. Narasimhan, Rajaji's son and biographer, MP (1952-1957, 1957-1962) Flare-up in Calcutta of Going round the city today murder and murderous assault land 11-1. Quite a large number of some looting. streets completely shut down. Bapu attacked by Hindu Resignations of Messrs. fanatic group and disturbed by the Punja, Das and Sinha accepted. incidents of the day. Fast Sworn in Annada Choudhdury and discussed 8.30-11.30 p.m. He Bhandari. thinks he must go on fast. September 4, Thursday September 2, Tuesday Long talk with General His statement and my own Rankin about Calcutta situation. issued at midnight appeared this Appeal to police and military. morning's papers. All papers have Went round city. No incidents. written very effective editorials in Girls guides function in Sir support of peace. B.N. Mukerjee's house. Heavy rains. Roads are Wrangled with Suhrawardy flooded. Good for damping down and N.C. Mukerjee. In spite of crime activities. Hope there will Acharya Kripalani got Bapu to be no incidents of importance break his fast. today and tomorrow. September 5, Friday Had talks with General Dr. Chatterjee, the I.N.A. man Rankin about disposition of forces. who is chief of Health and Wrote to Premier a note on police Medicall Services. shooting. Went round city. September 3, Wednesday What a bad Municipal Maharaja Nandi of Kassim Corporation! Bazaar. Chinese Consul-General Dr. T. Sai with Dr. Lo's poem for September 6, Saturday the University of Calcutta. The newspapers are writing Talked over phone to their editorials very well and Commissioner of Police to whip extraordinarily genuinely. The him up. Statement to press for Muslim paper Morning News is morning. Talked to Commissioner remarkably good. of Police and Amrita Bazar Sent word to Gandhiji that Patrika. arms surrendered may be taken and given over to me and no questions will be asked. Mr. S.K. Gupta, Secretary for Gagan Mehta. Large tea Education and Health. party. French Consul. Too much of a judge for the Metropolitan. Forest Conservator work. Mr. S. Gupta, the I.G. of and others. Police appears certainly more Arranged for Lakshmi's 36 educated than Mr. Chatterjee, the coming by Viceroy's plane. Commissioner of Police for Calcutta. September 9, Tuesday Mr. Naskar, Minister. Lakshmi says she won't come just now. Sikh captain sent up for interview. Big sturdy man but Financial Secretary, married. Mukerjee. Director of Agriculture, Mr. Dey. Both good officers. September 7, Monday Khoja Muslim ladies and Restful day, although Vice gents. Good gathering in ground Chancellor took up the greater part floor hall. R.D. Birla. of the morning. Plenty of walking. September 10, Wednesday Anil K. Chanda in the evening. Lord Listowel and Laithwaite arrived earlier than programmed Terrible condition for and had to leave also earlier than Lakshmi and children in Delhi. arranged before. So everything Had a phone talk with the poor was rushed. But we had long good girl. Asked them to come over to chats. Calcutta by air. Lunch with Suhrawardy. Dr. September 8, Monday Ghosh and others. Dr. Ghosh and Annada Very good newspaper tea Choudhury. Advised them as to party. Spoke to Muslim and all postings. Discussed Senate party editors frankly and vacancy - Business Rules as to satisfyingly. circulation of orders. Director of Public Instruction, Mr. Dutt. Chief Food position discussed with Engineer, Mr. Guha. Secretary. Cut in ration proposed. The Bangkok minister not September 11, Thursday arrived as plane is 48 hours late! Mr. Ramsay, Assistant High Commissioner from Delhi brings a 36. Lakshmi (1912-1983), Rajagopalachari's younger daughter and wife of Devadas Gandhi. picture of things there. Very C.R. Narasimhan writes: depressing and painful. There were four outstanding Food position in Calcutta, I features of my father's hope God will help somehow. gubernatorial tenure in Bengal. Firstly, the fear of a major Hindu- M. Faucon and his sister. Muslim clash did not come about. Mrs. Lakshmanan about French Thanks to Gandhiji's presence and possessions. his fast, communal amity was Another good Press tea party. maintained. The ministry changed. Bidhan Chandra Roy formed his September 13, Saturday ministry following the fall of Press tea party. Prafulla Chandra Ghosh and his Association reception. Cabinet. Rajaji was summoned to Splendid arrangements and act as Governor General of India beautiful casket with Asoka three during Lord Mountbatten's lions in gold. absence. Lord Mountbatten was related to the British royal family. September 14, Sunday The wedding of the present Tedious "children's" drama. sovereign of Great Britain with The acting and the trouble taken Prince Philip was taking place. deserved to be spent on a better Lord Mountbatten was bound to theme. The sub-editor tribe cannot attend. Rajaji was to act as really write for children. Instead Governor-General during the short of joy it was all feeble politics and vacancy caused by Lord outworn attacks on foreign Mountbatten's absence. The fourth exploitation. Why should children and the last event was the be worried with this now? assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi. Lunch arranged by Burdwan Raja. Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly on the 15th August 1947 Big rally of "peace" brigade. CR stated: Spoke at all the functions. But how affectionate all the crowds at 'I have been appointed and I all the corners! It is truly have agreed to serve the people of remarkable. Bengal in the spirit that is justified in the Gita although it could be * * * considered foolhardiness on my part. Whatever duty happens to be imposed on one, be it pleasant or unpleasant, has to be accepted and performed to the best of one's 19th August he referred to the ability. With your help and same subject thus: goodwill I hope to be of some use 'Of course the magician was to you… Law and order must be here on the spot. Gandhiji has restored at all cost. May I pray come. Gandhiji has achieved with you that we may enable many things in his lifetime. But I Bengal once again to take first do not think he has achieved so place in free India in all respects. grand, so magnificient a thing as To that end may our energies be he has achieved in Calcutta. I feel, directed. If I play a humble part in my friends, I have seen enough. If this work I shall have great cause tomorrow I am to resign the in the evening of my life to be Governorship and go away I will proud.' have something to remember to the CR was feeling his age. He end of my life.' was hastening towards his Prefacing his speech he seventies, the biblical three scores confessed: and ten. He used to tell me that he had reached an advanced age 'When I came here in Calcutta (though a kindly God was to grant I came with fear in my mind as to him 94 years, all devoted to the what I would see in Calcutta. And service of the motherland and I witnessed scenes on the 15th humanity) but that he had never which moved my heart as if I were been very sure of his longevity. a child. If I were not the governor This explains his frequent desire to of his province I would have retire. Many unkind critics jumped on one of the lorries or sat thought these were stunts. At a down on the street and shouted the public meeting at the Maidan on slogan, "Ek Ho" with them. It is a 17th August he poured out his miracle grander and more heart thus: magnificient than what Lord Mountbatten his achieved by 'When I came here I was full giving freedom without of anxiety as to how Calcutta will bloodshed.' behave on the great day of Independence, August 15th. I saw I am tempted to give some a miracle and God has brought his notes that passed between my children together in a manner I had father and Gandhiji during this not the courage to hope for - I offer critical period. my prayerful thanks to God.' On September 1, 1947 CR At the Calcutta Rotary Club sent a note to Gandhiji, "I see your weekly luncheon meeting on the are leaving tomorrow morning. When can I see you today after 5 Delhi. It was the most cherished p.m.? Love CR." This was letter. It says: Gandhiji's day of silence. He 'My dear C.R, of course you replied: "My dear C.R, owing to were right in speaking to me thro' last night's incident I am not going your silence. You might not have tomorrow. After 7 p.m. my lips broken it as you did thro' yours of open. You can come after 8.30pm. 16th instant. From calm I have Love Bapu, September 1, 1947." entered storm. Thank God I have In the course of one letter, fairly learnt to face either with Gandhiji enquires, "I hope the some amount of indifference. I weather and the conditions here hope you are faring well in every are suitable for you". In another respect. I observe that you have letter he says, "Hope you will feel landed upon the fittest job for you. all the better for the loss of a tooth. Love, Bapu. This was with reference to a dental In the midst of the distressing surgery my father went through. situation it was possible for Gandhiji later left for Delhi. Gandhiji to add a sentence of On September 24, 1947, he wrote a encouragement to my father. What note from New Delhi. "The a great person he was! No wonder problem here is infinitely more my father cherished this letter of difficult. We are all in God's Bapu. It was the last letter he had hands". On November 6, 1947, he from his life-long colleague and wrote from New Delhi, in reply to mentor. a letter: "You are right. Your * * * airmail letter comes into my hands this morning, 4.20 A.M. Things are superficially nice but the under-current leaves little scope. I wonder if Bengal will hold out all the time. Let us hope. More when we meet, if we do. Yes Ram is our only hope, Love Bapu".

The expression, "More when we meet, if we do" was truly foreboding and portended ill. Here is another letter he wrote on January 28, 1948, from New

It is notable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan was yet to acquire printed and monogrammed stationery when he wrote this letter.

Excerpts provision then for your lime?' From demanded C.R., momentarily hardened by his failure to The Rajaji Story influence the Mahatma. Admitting (1937-1972) that the provision was a weakness, Gandhi removed it. Finding by himself with a familiar task - Rajmohan Gandhi persuading the public to create Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1984 conditions for the Mahatma to break his fast - , C.R. said: 'This time we can throw the blame on no Less than three weeks after outside or foreign government if independence there was a setback his precious life ebbs away. It in Calcutta. Gandhi, a month would be a shame too awful for under 78, heard that several words if (those) who in their folly Muslims had been slain in the city, are disturbing the peace of saw the dead bodies of some of Calcutta refuse to melt.' Let them and spoke of what he had Calcutta, pleaded C.R., send seen. Angry Hindus invaded his Gandhi 'with the laurel of victory residence and accused him of round his aged brow' to the Punjab, overlooking what Hindus suffered. which needed him. A brick and a lathi hurled at him Much was expected of the just missed their target. The Governor, now shuttling between Mahatma's attempts to quieten the residents of the disturbed area and crowd failed. His response to the enforcers of the law. 'Your recurrence of violence was the supreme peace efforts must save announcement of a fast 'to end Bapu from self-immolation,' only if and when sanity returns to cabled Mathooradas Trikamji, ex- Calcutta'. He would eat or drink Mayor of Bombay and one of nothing save water - with, if C.R.'s and the Mahatma's close necessary some drops of sour lime friends. 'God will not desert us,' juice to counter nausea. replied C.R., though in truth he C.R. fought Gandhi over the was afraid. To soldiers, officials projected fast - for three hours. As land constables he said: on similar occasions in the past, he It is your sacred duty to rebelled against the possibility of protect the person, property and losing the Mahatma. Gandhi was the honour of everyone. You unyielding. ‘I want to be wholly in should strike down the offender God's hands’, he said. 'Why the even though he belongs to your own community. If you betray any proud and privileged vehicles of communal partiality, it will break the Mahatma's message of love, even my stony heart, not to speak trust and compassion.' To a friend of him who is crucifying himself in Delhi he wrote: 'Calcutta has for our sake in Beliaghata. added to the glory of Mahatmaji On the fourth day of the fast and incidentally to my poor stock the entire police force in North of religious faith.' Hardened Calcutta, numbering about 500 and pressmen reported of a miracle. including British and Anglo-Indian Obtaining his laurel, Gandhi left officers, started a 24-hour for Delhi en route to the Punjab. sympathetic fast while remaining on duty. Calcutta was completely * * * quiet that day. Late that evening C.R., Kripalani, Suhrawardy and PAST & PRESENT Ghosh told Gandhi that peace had by returned. While they were conferring, Rammanohar Lohia, Ramachandra Guha the Socialist leader, led five young Bapu in Beliaghata men into the room who confessed From their complicity and surrendered arms. Two Bengali leaders of the THE HINDU SUNDAY, Hindu Mahasabha, a Muslim, a AUGUST 13, 2006 Punjabi Hindu and a Sikh signed an undertaking that C.R. dictated. Gandhi was persuaded. At 9.15 In August-September 1947, p.m. he broke the fast, drinking Gandhiji spent 25 days at the from a glass of sweet lime handed Haidari Mansion, Beliaghata, to him by Suhrawardy. Calcutta. Those were among the most intensely heroic days of his Pressmen asked C.R. for a life. statement. 'I am too full of joy to compose sentences,' he said. Later Fifty-nine years ago this he gave his evaluation: 'Gandhiji week, Mahatma Gandhi moved has achieved many things, but into a house in Calcutta called the there has been nothing, not even "Haidari Mansion". Despite its independence, which is so truly name, in August 1947 the place wonderful as his victory over evil was very run down indeed. As one in Calcutta’. C.R. felt that the of Gandhi's companions recalled, it credit also belonged to the people was "a very shabby house without of Calcutta, who had become 'the any sort of facility. It was open on all sides - thus being easy of access Muslims met him with a written to outsiders. The doors and promise "that peace and quiet have windows were broken. There was been restored in Calcutta once only one latrine which was used by again". The undertaking added: hundreds of people, including a "We shall never again allow number of volunteers, policemen communal strife in the city. And and visitors. Every inch of the shall strive unto death to prevent place was covered with dust. In it". The Mahatma called off his addition the rain had made the fast, and two days later left for passages muddy" Delhi, hoping to restore peace and The house was cleaned up, quite in that likewise very divided and made somewhat habitable for city. Gandhi to stay in. He lived there Late last month the present for a little under a month, from writer visited the Haidari Mansion August 13 until September 7, for the first time. The house was 1947. The Haidari Mansion was closed, owing to the death earlier located in Beliaghata, a locality that day of the veteran Gandhian where Hindus and Muslims had Phulrenu Guha. Still, from what I lived cheek-by-jowl in the past, saw, it was clear that the building and where they had been was very different from what it butchering each other in the was when Gandhi first saw it. The present. For, in the weeks and windows were intact, the doors months leading up to new and made up of some rather Independence - and Partition - ornate wood. There were, Calcutta had witnessed the most however, some trees in the horrific religious rioting. It was to compound that must have been try and stem the bloodshed that there 59 years ago. The place had Gandhi had come to Beliaghata. a tranquil quality about it, as if the spirit of the saint who once briefly Gandhi's move stopped the lived there still hung around it. (I violence, temporarily, and both have experienced this feeling only Muslims and Hindus celebrated before - at the Ashram at Independence Day together. After Tiruvannamalai, the long-time two weeks of peace, the trouble home of another sage.) There has, started up again. On August 31, I am told, been talk of converting Gandhi began a 'fast-unto-death'. the Haidari Mansion into a proper His act shocked and shamed the memorial to Gandhi. It would be a people of the city, who came most appropriate location for a around, slowly. On September 4, a centre devoted to inter-faith group of representative Hindus and harmony. I had driven to Beliaghata The 25 days that Gandhi spent immediately after listening to a in Beliaghata were among the most rare recording of a speech on intensely heroic of his life. They Gandhi, delivered in Madison in are chronicled, more-or-less 1958 by the anthropologist Nirmal faithfully, in the biographies, but Kumar Bose, who, as it happened, have been treated more had visited Gandhi often at the analytically, and with much Haidari Mansion, and written insight, in Denis Dalton's Gandhi: about his fast in Harijan. The Bose Non-Violence in Action. There is recording I had heard at the city's also a moving eyewitness account Raj Bhavan, which meant that the in his grandniece Manu Gandhi's route I was now taking had once book The Miracle of Calcutta. I been taken by the first Indian shall end with a fragment from this occupant of that home. This was book, which recounts a visit to the C. Rajagopalachari. Rajaji shared Mahatma by the new Ministers of much with Gandhi - the least of the Bengal Government of which was four grandchildren. On Independence Day, August 15. the 16th, he drove from Raj When they sought his blessings, Bhavan to Beliaghata, to see, Gandhi told them: speak to, consult, and console with "Today, you have worn on Gandhi. They spent 90 minutes your heads a crown of thorns. The together, discussing matters seat of power is a nasty thing. You serious and still more serious. But, have to remain ever wakeful on as Rajaji's biographer 37reports, that seat. You have to be more there was also one brilliant flash of truthful, more non-violent, more humour. The two agreed that it humble and more forbearing. You would not do for the Mahatma to had been put to test during the stay at Raj Bhavan. An onlooker British regime. But in a way it commented that this was because was no test at all. But now there Gandhi liked to live among will be no end to your being tested. ordinary folk. Rajaji answered: Do not fall a prey to the lure of "That is why he was put up in the wealth. May God help you! You Aga Khan Palace" (where he spent are there to serve the villages and two years in confinement after the the poor". Quit India Movement). * * *

37. Rajmohan Gandhi.

Communication Gandhiji to intervene and stop the to mayhem. Ramachandra Guha Several well-known leaders appealed to the youth but they did Dear Mr. Guha, not respond. Then they approached the widow of the late Your write up was nostalgic. Chittaranjan Das, Basanti Debi to I was then in Asutosh College in make an appeal. I distinctly the 2nd year of Intermediate and remember her appeal that she residing in Michael Dutt Street, made from the All India Radio Kidderpore, surrounded by 5 Station at Calcutta. She made a mosques. I have experienced the fervent appeal in the name of days during which the Great Bengal that had been at the Calcutta Killing 38took place. forefront of the National struggle In a large building myself, my and told the youth that, Gandhiji sister and brother in law were the was their guest and if they did not only occupants as all others had stop the senseless killings and he fled. During those days very few gives tarnished for all time to people had Radio sets and we too come. did not have one so we managed to This appeal had a magical get a medium wave set from a affect and the violence came and local dealer to keep abreast of the under control with young men happenings. surrendering their arms at the feet Gandhiji had commenced his of the Mahatma. fast and the leaders had hoped that I thought I should share this the Hindu Bengali youth would information with you. respond and stop indulging in Yours sincerely, violence. Till then young men in A.K. Rao jeeps moved fully armed and fired 21 August 2006. at groups of muslims in various Courtesy: Dr. Guha and Shri Rao. localities. The situation thus brought about by his own folly was * * * nerve wrecking for Mr. Suhrawardy who rushed to 38. The ‘Great Calcutta Killing’ refers to the riots on and around 16 August, 1946. The correspondent’s experience of the radio broadcust obviously refers to September, 1947.

N K Bose interest in the representations of (1901-1972) Indian society and culture in the ancient and medieval texts, but by sought continually to put those André Béteille representations to the test of experience. It was his younger contemporary, M N Srinivas, who Nirmal Kumar Bose (1901- elaborated the distinction between 1972) wrote a great many things the 'book view' and the 'field view' on a very wide variety of subjects: of society, advocating the latter palaeolithic archaeology, temple against the former. Bose, on the architecture, shifting cultivation, other hand, maintained a keen but caste and occupation and the city critical interest in the book view, of Calcutta. But above all he was seeking insights from it to a master of the spoken word. illuminate his observations in the Those who heard him lecture or field. took part in conversations with him were lifted to a different plane He loved being in the field of experience. He had a deep and and many persons, both within and penetrating voice, and magnetic outside the profession, who knew eyes with which he held his him well remembered him as listener's attention. He spoke with someone who was always on the equal ease in both English and move. He travelled not only to do Bengali, and in an academic fieldwork but also to deliver seminar as well as in the house lectures and participate in next door. He could speak his conferences. While parting with mind with Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhiji at Noakhali, he had said, also take pains to put at ease 'Bapuji, I have always been a students newly arrived in the wanderer like this in life'. He metropolis and unsure of published a volume of essays in themselves socially and Bengali to which he gave the title intellectually. Paribrajaker Diary which may be translated into English as The Bose had studied geology Diary of a Wanderer. Surajit before becoming an anthropologist Sinha, who knew him closely and and had taught for many years in well, would tell me that he had the department of geography in the something of the wandering ascetic University of Calcutta. As a social of an earlier age in his makeup. scientist, he was a fieldworker by temperament as well as by Bose's writings and his conviction. He took a close lectures were animated by a certain conception of the design of Indian study of the structure of Hindu civilization. He had formed that society by saying, 'if we can conception early in his career and discover in the institutions of those never lost sight of it. His times some principle, some design conception and approach are which may be applied to the clearly brought out in his book The present, and do not use it in spite Structure of Hindu Society , of its applicability, this will be published originally in Bengali and only an expression of our folly'. brought out in an English Reason and experience were translation shortly after his death. the guiding principles of Bose's The book shows how the insights approach to science as well as to provided by the study of tribal society. He believed that the ethnography are broadly confirmed pursuit of science required hard by the insights gained from work and discipline in a particular Indology. But he recognized that cause, and recognized that that the design of Indian society, which may not be the preferred choice in had long withstood the flux of life for everyone. But even if the time, was undergoing important disciplined pursuit of scientific changes. Those change needed to knowledge was only for a few, be understood, hence to the those who had made science their insights of ethnography and vocation had an obligation to Indology, he sought to add those of society to make the fruits of social history. scientific enquiry available to as Bose was a nationalist and a many persons as possible. He social scientist, and he saw no himself was unsurpassed in his conflict in being both at the same capacity to make complex things time. He was not the kind of simple in his writing and, even nationalist who would consent to more, in his speech. concealing the truth about his The study of Indian society society or to bending it in order to and culture has grown glorify his country or to place it continuously in the last fifty years, ahead of all other countries. For and this growth has brought him, tradition had a value only if specialization in its wake. We no we could view it critically and longer have any single person who adapt it to our present needs and can range across the length and purposes. He was opposed as breadth of his discipline with much to a blind adherence to Bose's ease and assurance. At the tradition as to a thoughtless same time, he and his generation rejection of it. He concluded his of anthropologists have left for their successors important Geology in the University of signposts to guide them in the Calcutta but the call of nationalism study of society and culture. claimed him. He rejoined Calcutta University for an M.Sc degree in Anthropology, standing first in the * * * first class again. It was through his NIRMAL KUMAR BOSE : involvement in the nationalist SELECTED WRITINGS : movement that Bose came under ARCHAEOLGY, the influence of C.F.Andrews and ARCHITECTURE AND ART, eventually of Mahatma Gandhi. Centre for Bose worked closely with Gandhi and his My Days with Gandhi is Archaeological Studies & the book he is best known for Training, Eatsern India in outside the circle of social aasociation with scientists. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav The essays selected for this Sangrahalay, Bhopal volume have nothing to do with Rs.200. either Bose's work with Gandhi or A Review his major work, originally written in Bengali and then translated as by The Structure of Indian Society. Rudrangshu Mukherjee These essays, on a variety of EDITOR, EDITORIAL PAGES themes, were written for journals THE TELEGRAPH and newspapers. It is good to have them together as they show the range of Bose's learning and Nirmal Kumar Bose is one of interests, and they also mark out the unsung heroes of Indian social Bose as a pioneer in the sociology sciences. He was born in 1901, and of temple building. He was thus as was the wont then for good the inspiration for scholars like students, he went to study in David McCuthchion, Tarapada Presidency College, Calcutta. His Santra and Hitesranjan Sanyal. A chosen field then was Geology and good example of Bose's method he stood first in the first class in and his style of writing is the essay the B.Sc examination. He was also he wrote on ``The Temple in the captain of the college cricket Konarak'' in 1935. It begins with XI. He joined the M. Sc classes in Bose recalling a comment the artist Nandalal Bose had made in private smaller in height, was the audience conversation. The artist had said hall with a pyramidal roof with that though the Taj Mahal was the tiers (the one at Konarak had most talked about Indian three). In Konarak only the ruins monument, he felt that ``Konarak of the Jagamohan remain. With was artistically superior'' to the Taj this tradition structure, the Mahal. With this anecdote as a architect of the Sun Temple built background, Nirmal Bose an immense stylobate under the proceeded to tell his readers ``what temple. On its sides he carved 24 this temple of Konarak is like, and huge wheels and 7 horses. why it is considered to be the He thus transformed the supreme example of Indian structure, more than 200 feet high, architecture by one of the greatest into an enormous and magnificent living artists of today.'' He then chariot. proceeded to narrate the historical The temple recalled the background of the Sun temple. It mythic figure of the Sun god who was built in the 13th century by rides a chariot in the sky drawn by Narasimhadeva II who, as king of 7 horses. Orissa, had conquered all the lands from the Ganges in the north to the The architect captured this Godavari in the south. His image in stone. predecessor Anangabhimadeva The architect then proceeded was supposed to have built the to decorate the temple with Jagannath temple at Puri. It is said sculpture. that in building the temple at Readers of Bose's essay will Konarak, the revenue of Orissa for find in it a detailed depiction and 12 years was spent. analysis of the various motifs of Bose then went on to the style the sculptures. Bose did not shy in which the temple was built. away from the erotic figures that Here he believed that nothing new have made Konarak famous. was attempted but a familiar style His suggestion is that the of architecture was used to makers of the temple wanted to produce a masterpiece. The usual capture life in all its variety and practice in Orissa was to build two vitality. ``The artists of Konarak,'' temples side by side : the Rekha Bose wrote, ``looked upon love or and the Jagamohan. The former sex, half seriously and half in housed the deity and consisted of a amusement''. Bose's aesthetic tall tower surmounted by a ribbed appreciation of the temple did not and flattened spheroid. The latter, overrun his social and historical awareness. He wrote in the RECORDING GANDHI concluding paragraph: `` One feels humbled when one realizes that the by same country, which was great Ramachandra Guha enough to produce the temple of Konarak, has been reduced today into one of the poorest provinces While Mahatma Gandhi was of India. When one witnesses such alive, not many intellectuals would transformations, one feels willingly identify themselves as chastened and feels almost afraid 'Gandhian'. Writers and thinkers to take pride in the achievements treated him, at best, with a kindly of our own age, for they too will indulgence; and, at worst, with one day be laid low by the hand of unremitting hostility. The first time.'' group admired the Mahatma's The essay on Konarak is a asceticism and personal integrity good example of the method that and, were they Indian, his ability to Bose followed. There was detailed move the masses and draw them observation. These observations into the anti-colonial struggle. were placed in the context of However, they were not inclined to history and of social and artistic take his ideas seriously, viewing practices. There was an almost them as impractical and idealist. perfect balance between theory and The second group dismissed him empirical observation. There is as a mystical humbug, an much to learn still from Bose. obscurantist who worked malevolently to draw the masses The essays are in the nature of away from revolutionary action ephemera. Despite this, they are into the safe channels of bourgeois rich in insight and method. This reformism. review began with describing Bose as an unsung hero. Even those who Scholars and scientists who want to sing in his praise, do not lived in the time of the Mahatma do him justice. This volume suffers were happy to call themselves from too many editorial errors 'liberal' or 'socialist' or which a meticulous scholar like 'conservative' or 'Marxist'. So far Bose would have abhorred. as I can tell, there were only two Pioneers need a little more of our intellectuals who would go so far time and patience. as to call themselves 'Gandhian'. One was the economist J. C. *** Kumarappa who studied in London and New York, and gave up a and precocious; notably, it had flourishing career as an accountant separate sections on 'Women's to join Gandhi and the national Problems' and on education. movement. Kumarappa worked for Selections was the first of many years on rehabiliating the three major books by Bose on agrarian economy on ecological Gandhi. In 1940 he brought out his lines. The other intellectual Studies in Gandhism, whose contemporary of the Mahatma who analytical chapters focused on the was not shy of the label 'Gandhian' theory and practice of non- was the anthropologist Nirmal violence. Thirteen years later, he Kumar Bose. Born in 1901 (nine published My Days With Gandhi , a years after Kumarappa) Bose moving memoir of the days spent studied and taught at Calcutta in the field in Noakhali, the book University, his academic career combining a deep appreciation of interspersed with spells of service Gandhi's work in dousing the in the nationalist cause. He was flames of communal passion with arrested in 1931 during the Salt a skeptical attitude towards his Satyagraha; and spent a year in experiments with brahmacharya. prison. He was again arrested during the Quit India movement of Nirmal Kumar Bose's 1942; this time he spent three-and- contribution to Gandhi scholarship a-half years in jail. His last spell of is immense. To the books he edited nationalist service was in 1946-7, or authored, we can now add these when he served as Gandhi's two rare recordings obtained by secretary and interpreter as the the Raj Bhavan from Mr Biren Mahatma went on a walking tour Das, a family friend of the late through the riot-torn villages of anthropologist. eastern Bengal. The first recording is of an In 1934, N. K. Bose published hour-long public lecture delivered Selections From Gandhi , one of by Bose at the University of the first, and still one of the best, Wisconsin at Madison. The anthologies of the Mahatma's anthropologist begins by recalling thought. The book covered an his first acquaintance with Gandhi, astonishingly wide range of which was through his writings. As themes: from Gandhi's ideas on a student at Calcutta University, he religion and morality to his would read the journal Young writings on the Congress and on India , where the Mahatma put self-government more generally. It forward his views on politics and was an effort both comprehensive social reform, and invited arguments and disagreements. Bose started reading Gandhi appellation 'Mahatma', speaking in the early 1920s. However, they throughout of 'Gandhi'.) This is a met only in 1934, when the most impressive speech, and Bose Mahatma was touring rural must have been a most impressive Bengal. There is a vivid speaker, with a voice that was description here of that first clear, powerful, and resonant. meeting. 'The only slavery Gandhi Bose's most intense admitted to', says Bose, 'was that engagement with Gandhi was of time'. Invited to join Gandhi on when he walked with him through his morning walk, the Noakhali in 1946-7. As recollected anthropologist had as his here, the Mahatma asked him to companion the great Pathan become his secretary and exponent of non-violence, Khan interpreter on the grounds that of Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Bose was at all his Bengali associates Bose had least six inches taller than the the job that was most dispensable. Mahatma, and Ghaffar Khan a Gandhi could scarcely ask a social further foot taller still. Yet, as he worker or medical doctor to recalls, the two were hard put to abandon what he was doing, while keep pace with Gandhi. They, the work of a university lecturer could, however, gather their breath was, in comparison, less than when Gandhi stopped to collect essential. stones which would later be used to built a road to the ashram where While on the road, Bose and he was staying. Gandhi had many interesting arguments. When the 'Despite the greatness with anthropologist said he did not which we clothe him', remarks believe in God, Gandhi asked what Bose, 'Gandhi was intensely he did believe in. The pursuit of human'. His own talk succeeds truth, he answered. That was a splendidly in humanizing Gandhi, faith the Mahatma was perfectly with personal recollection skilfully prepared to accept, and one he mixed with analytical judgements followed himself, except that he on the Mahatma's thought and usually dignified it with a capital practice. Bose gave up a great deal letter, as Truth. to join Gandhi-his career, a family As Bose recalls, Gandhi's life-but he would not give up his message to Bengal after the riots scholarly detachment or sense of was that 'it was not consolation humour, both of which are on that will save us, but courage'. display here. (It is striking, for There is a moving account of instance, that he never uses the Gandhi's work in restoring communal peace in Calcutta four corners of the land. First in during August/September 1947. time and importance was Mahadev Several times during his talk Bose Desai, who was with Gandhi from says: 'I bore witness to that'. He 1918 to 1942, who probably knew did, indeed. For Bose was with him better than any other human Gandhi during what might have being, and who transcribed, edited, been the most heroic months of a and translated his works, wrote very heroic life. With his skill as a some works on Gandhi of his own, scholar and writer-and, as this tape and also acted as a very valuable show, speaker—he recorded them, counsellor and adviser. Desai, like with great sensitivity and insight, his Master, was a Gujarati. On his for the benefit of posterity. death, the post of Secretary was Apart from this one-hour assumed by an energetic Punjabi lecture, the Raj Bhavan has also named Pyarelal, who served acquired a recording of a forty- Gandhi nobly till the latter's death minute interview of Nirmal Kumar in 1948, and later wrote an Bose, conducted in a studio in important, multi-volume Madison on that same trip. The biographical study. Then there was interview focuses on the meaning the great Tamil scholar K. and efficacy of non-violence. Bose Swaminathan, who met Gandhi a asks a question whose answer is few times, but whose real service perhaps contained in the manner of to the Mahatma was in the form of its posing: 'Does a person have the the magnificent hundred volume right to kill another human being edition of the Collected Works of simply on account of a difference Mahatma Gandhi. Finally, there is of opinion?' the Bengali polymath Nirmal In the interview, Bose speaks Kumar Bose, who assisted Gandhi about Mahatma Gandhi's attitude at a very crucial time for him and towards India's colonial rulers. The for India, and who wrote or edited nationalist movement, insisted some of the most insightful studies Gandhi, was against British rule, of the Mahatma, his ideas, and his but not against Britain, and work. certainly not against Englishmen. Nor, he believed, should India win II its freedom merely in order to The Raj Bhavan has also oppress and exploit other countries acquired a recording made by the in turn. British Broadcasting Corporation I consider it a happy accident of an interview conducted in 1955 that Gandhi was served so ably by with the then Chief Minister of interpreters who came from the West Bengal, Dr B. C. Roy. Although bound by political ties, Dr Roy acutely describes the the more important relationship dilemma facing the doctors— between Dr Roy and Gandhi was which was how to save Gandhi's that of physician and patient. life, without violating his own Dr Roy first met Gandhi in principles. The British doctor 1925, shortly after the death of C. wished to give Gandhi a glucose R. Das. At the time, he was one of injection. Knowing that the the doctors of Motilal Nehru, who Mahatma would not approve of used to say that 'Dr Ansari and Dr this, Dr Roy was able to convince Roy are co-trustees of my health'. the patient to accept an injection of This endorsement encouraged citrus juice. Slowly, Gandhi's Gandhi also to consult the Bengali condition began to improve, and he physician, who came to attend on came out of danger. him during several of his fasts. Gandhi's state of health, Gandhi believed that the mind argues Dr Roy, could not be should control the body, that by explained by physiological exerting discipline and self-control principles alone. He weighed far one could cure most diseases. less than he should have. He would During his fasts, Gandhi felt he not eat bread or drink cow's milk, was guided by God, and hence and subsisted mostly on usually refused medical help or vegetables. Perhaps one should intervention. In general, he was explain his usually robust health in reluctant to take drugs. However, terms of his success in imposing says Dr Roy, this did not mean that the will of the mind on the dictates he 'had any animus against medical of the body. practice'. Although the interview In his interview, Dr Roy focuses on Gandhi as a patient, Dr speaks at some length of the fast Roy also dwells briefly on the conducted by Gandhi while Mahatma's social ideals, on his imprisoned in Puné's Aga Khan commitment to Hindu-Muslim Palace in 1943. In the second week harmony and the abolition of of the fast his health deteriorated Untouchability, for example. He dramatically. He could not even speaks with affection of Gandhi's take lime juice (the only 'food' he sense of humour, and with had permitted himself). On the admiration of his ability of 13th day, his condition was so 'accommodating other people, [of] serious that as many as six doctors listening to other points of view'. came to see him—three sent by the The recordings of N. K. Bose British Government, three non- and B. C. Roy come to us courtesy official (including Dr Roy). the marvels of modern technology. They were originally recorded on defence by means of non-violence tape, and later transferred to requires the abandonment of all ill- Compact Discs. When I opened gotten gains". The next question these CD's on a computer, each was: "Is the accumulation of time the screen announced that capital possible except through these were an 'Unknown Album', violence, whether open and tacit?" featuring the work of an 'Unknown The answer immediately was such Artist'. That is how the Windows accumulation by private persons is programme would, I suppose, impossible except through designate any disc that is not pre- violence, so capitalism cannot be recorded or which it does not defended by non-violence. He also recognize. It is for the listener to said that a State needs capital and a supply the facts that these 'artists' nation needs capital and in a non- were once very well known-N. K. violent society it will be the State Bose as a distinguished which will accumulate capital, not anthropologist and writer, and B. any private individual. Then he C. Roy as an eminent doctor and said where a man accumulates public man. As for the 'unknown' material wealth he does so only albums, they contain priceless through the help and cooperation eyewitness accounts of the life and of other members of the society work of the greatest Indian of and has he then the moral right to modern times. use any of it mainly for personal * * * gain? He said categorically 'no'… People asked Gandhi this Excerpts question: Do you promise we can from really save the country by means Professor Nirmal Kumar Bose's of non-violence? What will happen interview, April 16, 1958, if they fail? His answer was that Madison USA nothing worse will happen than if Interviewer : Jackson Tiffany we lose in the war…The only thing (The Madison Peace Centre) is that in the case of non-violent defence if you lose, you will not The question which we put to lose much money that is spent Gandhi was this : "Is it possible to unnecessarily on defence. defend by means of non-violence I also remember some people anything which can only be gained confronted him with this very through violence?" Immediately, important question: "What would the answer was "What is gained by happen to India if India was violence can not only not be confronted not by Great Britain but defended by non-violence but by a power like Hitler, by Nazi Germany?" and his answer was Excerpts that "May be I could have failed to From convert the leaders of such a nation The BBC Radio recordings of but let us not forget a simple fact Dr. B.C. Roy that even Hitler, Mussolini or London anyone can never operate alone. February 15, 1955 They operate with their soldiers and there are millions of soldiers… The first time I met him was May be the non-violence of the in 1925 in the month of July when defenders will exercise its he came down to Calcutta for the influence upon the common purpose of raising funds to have a soldiers on the other side so that memorial for Deshbandhu when he comes in to occupy our Chittaranjan Das, who died on the country and finds that we are not 16th of June, 1925 in Darjeeling. an enemy, we are willing to share I met him in the house of the our economy, our resources with widow of C.R. Das. him and yet we do not strike back Mrs. Das said, "If you had but never cooperate never support been in Darjeeling, probably my his order but treat him as a friend husband would not have died." or equal, not a superior, then Whether that would have happened gradually his heart might be or not, we do not know but it touched and he will lean over to certainly created an impression in our side and his leader will become Gandhiji's mind that I had a isolated from the common soldiers relationship with the Das family. and in that will lie the victory of He appreciated this very much and non-violence. It may be that the since that time on, to 10 days leader will not change his opinion before his death, I was closely or change his ways but if he is left associated with him not merely as alone in isolation that isolation of a physician but also from time to evil will be the utmost of victory. time as Member of the Working * * * Committee, as collaborator in various schemes which the Congress had forwarded from time to time. From that time onwards, whenever he undertook a fast, except the one he had in Sabarmati jail, I used to be called to his bedside to look after him….

Mahatma Gandhi and The Governors of Bengal - A List of their Meetings - Barrister M.K. Gandhi sought in vain an appointment with Lord Curzon in 1901. Forty-six years later, the first Governor of West Bengal called on the Mahatma in Beliaghata.

Governor Venue Date 1 Sir John AndersonGovernor’s Residence, Barrackpore .11.1937 2 Lord Brabourne Government House, Calcutta 22.3.1938 3 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 1.12.1945 4 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 2.12.1945 5 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 3.12.1945 6 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 4.12.1945 7 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 22.12.1945 8 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 7.1.1946 9 Lord Casey Government House, Calcutta 18.1.1946 10 Sir Frederick Burrows Government House, Calcutta 30.10.1946 11 Sir Frederick Burrows Government House, Calcutta 9.8.1947 12 Shri C. Rajagopalachari Hydari Manzil, Beliaghata 16.8.1947 13 Shri C. Rajagopalachari Hydari Manzil, Beliaghata 19.8.1947 14 Shri C. Rajagopalachari Hydari Manzil, Beliaghata 1.9.1947 15 Shri C. Rajagopalachari Hydari Manzil, Beliaghata 3.9.1947 16 Shri C. Rajagopalachari Hydari Manzil, Beliaghata 4.9.1947

conducted by him on slips of paper. Excerpts I found his strong gentle From personality irresistible. His Tides & Eddies gestures and speech were clear and dramatic though he was able if he (Michael Joseph, London, 1966) wished to wrap himself in a A Personal Memoir cocoon of words impossible too by penetrate. He spoke of interesting matters and asked interesting Lady Maie Casey 39 questions. He had no particular sympathy with the scientific age, still less with the industrial age. Out of Dick's office, which he Life was better and happier, he described as being about the size believed, if it was simple; he could of a tennis-court, a concealed not see why the western pattern of spiral staircase of iron lace led living should be imposed upon the upstairs to my sitting-room. I east. I was reminded that, of the came down it to meet Mr. Gandhi nearly three thousand million after his first visit, when his human beings in the world, not business with Dick was over. more than a third of them were It was winter then so he was aware of the industrial age and of wrapped up in a fine white western civilization. This age and Kashmir shawl. His lean golden- civilization touched only a crust of brown legs showed beneath it and persons and gave them toys rather on his feet he wore a pair of than happiness. sandals of unusual pattern. He I was not the Governor. I was afterwards had a similar pair made only his wife, therefore my for me; they were of cowhide, but conversations with Gandhi flowed from a cow that had died a natural in unrestricted freedom. His eyes death, for cows are semi-sacred in behind thick lenses were shrewd India and are protected. and kind and comforting. I had the I could not keep away once I feeling that if I were in trouble I had met Gandhi and hurried down would like to go to him for advice, the little staircase to greet him which though it might not be for before he left, on every occasion me entirely functional would be except on his day of silence when wise and human. any exchange of thought was 39. Wife of Lord Casey, Governor of Bengal (1944-1946) Mahatma Gandhi had an When he visited us in extraordinary power over Indian Calcutta he was the idol of the vast people. Persons of his own Hindu majority of Indian Muslims, the religion revered and obeyed him torch, the flame of cold light, that even if it meant exposing was to lead them to the partition of themselves to death, but respect for India. him was universal. When he came As President of the Indian and went through the portals of Muslim League Mr. Jinnah had at Government House all our staff, one time believed that there might clerks, domestics, gardeners, of be some peaceful form of co- whatever religion or caste - all existence between the Muslim living creatures - crowded the League and the Congress Party. entrance hall on his arrival and Both he and Mr. Gandhi had been departure, greeting him reverently united in their efforts to save after their own fashion. This Indian unity, but this was not to be. happened to no one else who An insoluble position had been visited us. I went with Dick to see reached through early policies, him out on his last visit and missed opportunities and mistakes noticed that even the independent on all sides. Mr. Jinnah was tall, Misr 40 who differentiated between pale, thin almost to emaciation persons, had appeared from although his frail body suggested somewhere to watch him go. the strength of a coiled spring. He had piercing dark eyes and spoke A great man came and went with the cool precision of a lawyer. and the aura of peace and patience I thought him a little frightening that surrounded him remained with until he gave one of his rare us for a while after he had gone. smiles. Mr. Gandhi's friend who I asked him how he saw the became his adversary was future. He said he was now a Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Although fanatic. He was implacably his immediate ancestors were determined that after independence Muslims they came, like many Pakistan should become a Muslim families in India, of old sovereign state. Hindu stock. Mr. Jinnah was himself a close friend of Mrs In 1947 India and Pakistan Sarojini Naidu, a Hindu, and he became separate countries. married as his second wife the Pakistan was severed in two by the beautiful Parsee girl, Ruttenbai breadth of the continent. Petit from Bombay. 41. TheCasey’s dachshund. Dacca, the capital of East Both these great men died in Pakistan, which lay above the the same year, 1948. Gandhi, the mouths of the Ganges, was divided advocate of non-violence, was from Karachi in West Pakistan by assassinated in January by a a distance of nearly fifteen maniac. Jinnah, a few years hundred miles. Between lay India. younger, faded away from illness The Bengal we had known was in September nearly a year after split in two. his creation, Pakistan, had been launched into uneasy nationhood. Just before his death when Mr. Jinnah had become the Qaid-i- (A copy of this rare book has Azam (Mighty Leader) and was been acquired by the library, living in Karachi as Pakistan's first through the courtesy of an Governor-General, Dick and I, on Australian diplomat. ) our way back from London to Australia, were invited to dine alone with him and Miss Jinnah, his sister, who was as like to him in appearance and demeanour as a woman can be to a man. Mr. Jinnah reminded me of our conversation in Calcutta and said, 'You see, Mrs. Casey, if I had not been a fanatic, there would have been no Pakistan.'

Gandhi and Jinnah - whose lives ran parallel, whose desires had met and separated, whose personalities and determination hastened one of the great events of history, the beginning of the ceding of colonial power, the great break through into the present ear - were two very different persons.

Gandhi was visionary, patient, subtle, elusive, exceedingly charming: Jinnah, exact, austere, single-minded, forceful.

Published writings of and on Gandhi at The Library, Raj Bhavan, Kolkata A List

English - v. 22 : Dec. 1921 to March 1922. - v. 23 : March 1922 to May 1924. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand, - v. 24 : May to Aug.,1924. - v. 25 1869 - 1948 : Aug. 1924 to Jan., 1925. -- v. 26 The collected works of : Jan. to April, 1925. - v. 27 : May Mahatma Gandhi . -- New to July 1925. - v.28 : Aug. to Nov., Delhi : Publications Division, 1925. - v. 29 : Nov. 1925 to Feb., Ministry of Information and 1926. - v. 30 : Feb. to June, 1926. - Broadcasting, G.I. , published v. 31 : June to November1926. - v. from 1969 onwards to 1993. 32 : Nov. 1926 to Jan., 1927. - v. 100 v. : facsims., front., ill., 33 : Jan. to June, 1927. - v. 34 : plates, 24 cm. June to Sept., 1927. - v. 35 : Sept. 1927 to Jan.,1928. - v. 36 : Feb. to Contents : v.1 : 1884 to June 1928. - v. 37: July to October, June 1896. - v.2 : May 26, 1896 to 1928. - v. 38 : Nov. 1928 to Feb., Dec. 17, 1897. - v.3 : 1898 to 1929. - v. 39 : February 1929. -- v. 1903. - v.4 : 1903 to 1905. - v.5 : 40 : Feb. to May 1929. - v. 41 : 1905 to 1906. - v.6 : 1906 to 1907. June to Oct., 1929. - v. 42 : Oct. - v.7 : June to Dec., 1907. - v. 8 : 1929 to Feb., 1930. - v. 43 : March Jan. to Aug., 1908. - v.9 : Sept. to June 1930. - v. 44 : July to Dec., 1908 to Nov., 1909. - v. 10 : Nov. 1930. - v. 45 : Dec. 1930 to 1909 to Mar., 1911. - v. 11 : April Apr.,1931. - v. 46 : Apr. 16 to June 1911 to March, 1913. - v.12 : April 17, 1931. - v. 47 : June to Sept., 1913 to Dec., 1914. - v. 13 : Jan. 1931. - v. 48 : Sept. 1931 to Jan., 1915 to Oct., 1917. - v.14 : Oct. 1932. - v. 50 : June to Aug., 1932. 1917 to July 1918. - v.15 : Aug. - v. 51 : Sept. 1 to Nov. 15, 1932. - 1918 to July 1919. - v.16 : v. 52 : Nov. 1932 to Jan. 1933. - v. Aug.1919 to Jan., 1920. - v. 17 : 53 : Jan. to March 1933. - v. 54 : Feb. to June, 1920. - v. 18 : July to March 6 to April 22, 1933. - v. 55 : Nov.,1920. - v. 19 : Nov. 1920 to Apr. 23 to Sept. 15, 1933. - v. 56 : April 1921. - v. 20 : April to Aug., Sept. 16, 1933 to Jan. 15, 1934. - 1921. - v. 21 : Aug. to Dec., 1921. v. 57 : Jan.16 to May 17, 1934. - v. 58 : May 18 to Sept. 15, 1934. - v. 1947 to July 31, 1947. - v. 89 59 : : Sept. 16 to Dec. 15, 1934. - : Aug. 1, 1947 to Nov. 10, v. 60 : Dec. 16, 1934 to Apr. 24, 1947. - v. 90 : Nov. 11, 1947 1935. - v. 61 : Apr. 25 to Sept. 30, to Jan. 30, 1948. - [v. 91] , 1935. -- v. 62 : Suppl. vol 1 : 1894 to 1928. - [v. 92], Suppl. vol.2 : 1929 to Oct. 1, 1935 to May 31, 1936. - v. 1934. - [v. 93], Suppl. vol. 3 : 63 : June 1 to Nov.2, 1936 . - 1935 to 1941. - v. 94 (Suppl. v. 64 : Nov. 3, 1936 to Mar. vol. 4) - v. 95 ( Suppl. vol. 5). 14, 1937. - v. 65 : Mar. 15 to - v. 96 (Suppl. vol. 6 : July 31, 1937. - v. 66 : Aug. Gandhi- Kallenbach 1, 1937 to Mar. 31, 1938. - v. correspondence) . - v. 97 67 : Apr. 1 to Oct. 14, 1938. - ( Suppl. vol. 7). - v. 98 : v. 68 : Oct. 15, 1938 to Feb. Subject index. - v. 99 : Name 28, 1939. - v. 69 : Mar. 1 to index. - v. 100 : Volume of July 15, 1939. - v. 70 : July prefaces. 16 to Nov. 30, 1939. - v. 71 : Library has : v. 1 to 70, 72 to Dec.1, 1939 to Apr. 15, 1940. 76, 78 to 90, Suppl. 1 to 3(v. - v. 72 : Apr. 16 to Sept. 11, 91 to 93) v. 94 to 100. 1940. - v. 73 : Sept. 12, 1940 to Apr.15, 1941. - v. 74 : Apr. 081 Gan 16 to Oct. 10, 1941. - v. 75 : Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Oct. 11, 1941 to March 31, Constructive programme : 1942. - v. 76 : Apr. 1, 1942 to its meaning and place / by Dec. 17, 1942. - v. 77 : Dec. M.K. Gandhi. - - rev. 17, 1942 to July 31, 1944. -- and enl. Ed. -- v. 78 : Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, Ahmedabad : Navajivan 1944. - v. 79 : Jan. 1 to April Pub. House, 1991. 33 24, 1945. - v. 80 : April 25 to p.; 18 cm. July 16, 1945. - v. 81 : July Acc. No. 4872 17 to Oct. 31, 1945. - v. 82 : Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Nov. 1, 1945 to Jan. 19, 1946. Discourses on the Gita./ - v. 83 : Jan. 20 to April 13, M.K. Gandhi; tr. from orig. 1946. - v. 84 : Apr. 14, 1946 Gujarati by Valji Govindji to July 15, 1946. - v. 85 : July Desai. - Ahmedabad : 16, 1946 to Oct. 20, 1946. - v. Navajivan Pub. House, 1960. 86 : Oct. 21, 1946 to Feb. 20, 80 p.; 17.5 cm. 1947. - v. 87 : Feb. 21 to May Acc. No.4873 24, 1947. - v. 88 : May 25, Navajivan Pub. House, 1961. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand viii, 248 p.: facsim.; 18 cm. From Yeravda mandir : Acc. No. 4259 ashram observances / M.K. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi; tr. From orig. M.K. Gandhi : selected Gujarati by Valji Govindji writings /edited by B.K. Desai. - 3rd rev. ed. -- Ahluwalia. - New Delhi : Ahmedabad : Navajivan Pub. Sagar Pub., 1970. xv, 396 p. : House, 2003. 3 p.l., 38 p. :; front.; 22 cm. 17.5 cm. 891.408 Gan Acc. No.4874 Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand My god / M.K. Gandhi. -- Hind swaraj or Indian home Ahmedabad : Navajivan Pub. rule. - Ahmedabad : House, 2004. 55 p.; 17.5 cm. Navajivan Pub. House, 1962. Acc. 110 [2] p. ; 18 cm. No.4876 320.1 Gan ---- Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand rev. new edition. 2004. 96 p.; Ramanama/ M.K. Gandhi.- 17.5 cm. 2nd enl. ed. -- Ahmedabad : 320.1 Gan (1) Navajivan Pub. House, 2004. viii, 88 p.; 17.5 cm. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand

The last papers of Mahatma Acc. No. 4877 Gandhi. - London: Phillips, [1996]. 64 p. : facsims.; 27 Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand cm. Trusteeship / M.K. Gandhi; Sold in aid of a Hindu comp. by Ravindra Kelekar. - Charitable Foundation. The - Ahmedabad : Navajivan gift of V. Kalyanam Esq, Pub. House, [200-]. 40 p.; formerly Secretary to the Late 17.5 cm. M.K. Gandhi. - t.p. Acc. No. 4878 Catalogue of Phillips International Auctioneers and Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand values, London. The selected works of Mahatma Gandhi. - Acc. No.4881 Ahmedabad: Navajivan Pub. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand House, 1968. 6v. ; 18 cm. Letters to Rajkumari Amrit Contents : V.1 : An autobio- Kaur. - Ahmedabad : graphy. - v.2 : An autobio- graphy. - v.3 : Satyagraha in Bhattacharyya, Buddhadeva South Africa. - v.4 : The basic Evolution of the political works. - v.5 : Selected letters. philosophy of Gandhi; with a - v.6 : The voice of truth. foreword by Nirmal Kumar 808.8081 Gan Bose. - Calcutta : Calcutta Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Book House, 1969. xix[1], Village industries / M.K. 600 p.; 22.5 cm. Gandhi. -- Ahmedabad : Acc. No.4634 Navajivan Pub. House,1999. 39 p.; 17.5 cm. Birla, G.D. Acc. No. 4879 In the shadow of the Mahatma : a personal memoir "My dear child"; letters from M.K. / by G. D. Birla; with a Gandhi to Esther Faering / foreword by the President Dr. edited by Alice M. Barnes; Rajendra Prasad. - Bombay : foreword by Dr. D.S. Orient Longmans, 1953. xxi, Ramachandra Rao. -- 337 p.; 21.5 cm. Ahmedabad : Navajivan Pub. Acc. No. 920 Bir House, 1956.xxiv, 123 p. : front., plate; 18 cm. Biswas, C.C. Brittle Bengal's response to Gandhi. Acc. No. 4227 - Kolkata : Minerva, 2004. 3 Books on Gandhi p.l., 302 p. 22 cm. Ambedkar, B.R. Acc. No. 4340 Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah. ( Bose, Nirmal Kumar In. Dr. Babasaeb Ambedkar : My days with Gandhi. - writings and speeches, vol. 1, Bombay : Orient Longman, p.211 - 240) 1974. vii, 270 p.; 21x 27 cm. xerox copy Acc. No. 4514 Acc. No. 4458 Bandyopadhyaya, Jayantanuja Bose, Nirmal Kumar Social and political thought of Selected writings. - Kolkata: Gandhi. - Ramrajatala , W.B. Centre for Archaeological : Manuscript India, 2000. Studies & Training, Eastern vi[i], 415 p.; 21 cm. India in association with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Acc. No. 4071 Manav Sangrahalay, 2006. The cow in India; foreword 159 p. : plates, port. ; 22 cm. by Gandhiji. - Calcutta : Acc. No. 4463 Khadi Pratisthan, 1945. 2 v.; Bose, R.N. 19 cm. Our Gandhian heritage. - Contents : vol. I - Breeding- Calcutta : Tagore Research dairy industries. - vol. II - The Institute, 1970. 5 p.l., 111 p. ; body of the cow, its diseases 21. 5 cm. and treatment. Pages acidified Library has : vol. I Acc. No. Acc. No.4891 4869 (v.1) Chowdhry, Kamla Gandhi's truth: survival in the Datta, Amlan twentyfirst century. - New The Gandhian way. - Shillong Delhi : Gandhi Peace : North-Eastern Hill Foundation, 1997. 1 p.l., 21 University Pub., 1986. 3 p.l., p.; 21.5 cm. 78 p.; 21.5 cm. This is the twenty third Acc. No. 4528 Gandhi Peace Foundation De, Amalendu Lecture. Mahatma Gandhi and Islam. - Acc. No.4887 Calcutta : Rabindra Bharati Chunder, Dr. Pratap Chandra University, 2000. 38[1] p.: On understanding Gandhiji. - facsim.; 21.5 cm. Mumbai : Bharatiya Vidya Acc. No. 3929 Bhavan, 2003. 5 p.l.,69 p. ; 22 cm. Desai, Mahadev Acc. No.4850 Gandhiji in Indian villages. - Madras : S. Ganesan, 1927. Dantwala, M.L. viii, 349 p.; 17.5 cm. Gandhism reconsidered. - Bombay : Padma 040 Des

Publications, 1944.48 p.; 19 The essential Gandhi : an cm. anthology/ Acc. No.4228 edited by Louis Fischer. - Das Gupta, Satish C. London : George Allen & Unwin, 1961. 6 p.l., 369 p. ; Gandhi centenary volume; 20 cm. foreword by Indira Gandhi. - Wormholes Santiniketan : Visva-Barati, 1969. viii, 289 p. : front., 923.254 Fis facsims., plates, ports.; 25 Fischer, Louis cm. The life of Mahatma Gandhi. Editorial Board : Kalidas - London : Jonathan Cape, Bhattacharya and others. 1951. 593 p.; 21.5 cm. Text in English and Bengali. Acc. No. 4599 Acc. No. 4564 Footprints of divinity : a Gandhi Gandhi, Gandhism and our times : reader / compiled and edited an by A. Prasanna Kumar. - International Symposium / edited Visakhapat nam : Centre for with an introduction by Policy Studies (Gayatri Vidya Sibnarayan Ray. - Kolkata : Parishad, 2005. Renaissance Pub., 2003. 208 Acc. No.4256 p.; 22.5 cm. Acc. No. 3865 Gandhi, Gopalkrishna Gandhi in the grip of A Gandhi-Tagore chronicle/ violence. (In: Himal compiled by Kshitis Roy and Southasian, March-April, Mohit Kumar Mazumdar. - 2006. pp. 78 - 83 ) Santiniketan : Rabindra- Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Being the Ashutosh 2001. 3 p.l., 32 p. facsim.; Mookerjee Memorial 21.5 cm. Oration, Kolkata, July 4, 2005. Acc.No. 4534 Acc. No.4893 Gandhian alternative / general editors : `R.P. Misra and K.D. Gandhi : 1915 - 1948; a detailed Gangrade. - New Delhi : Pub. chronology / compiled by For Gandhi Smriti and C.B. Dalal. - New Delhi : Darshan Samiti by Concept Gandhi Peace Foundation, Pub. Co., 2005. 5 v. ; 22.5 1971. x[ii], 210 p.; 29 cm. cm. Xerox copy Contents : v.1. Towards a Acc. No. 4637 Gandhian world order / ed. By Suresh Misra. - v.II. Nonviolence-in-action / ed. By Savita Singh and Bharti Sangrahalaya, 2002. viii, 59 Misra. - v.III. Socio-political p.; 21.5 cm. thoughts / ed. By Anil Dutta Acc. No. 4627 and others. -v. IV : Economics where people Gandhiji on villages / selected and matter / ed. By V.K. Natraj introd. by Divya Joshi. - and others. - v. V. Education Mumbai : Mani Bhavan for self-realisation. Gandhi Sangrahalaya, 2002. 320.5 Gan viii, 51 p.; 21.5 cm. Gandhian economic system : a Acc. No. 4628 necessity or utopia / edited by Gandhi's creed our deed / compiled Radhey Mohan; foreword by by M. Rama Jois.-Patna : M. Hidayatullah.. - New Gandhi Sangrahalaya, [2003]. Delhi : Vichar, [1982]. Vii, x, 20 p. : ill.; 21 cm. 156 p.; 22 cm. This is the tenth publication Presented "with compliments of Dr. Zakir Husain and warm regards to Sri Educational and Cultural Viren Shaha" (sic)by the Foundation. compiler, Governor of Bihar 330.9 Moh dated 20 October, 2003. Gandhiji and Mani Bhavan, 1917 - Acc. No. 4886 1934 ( a short history). - Ghosh, Sudhir Mumbai : Mani Bhavan Gandhi's emissary. -- Gandhi Sangrahalaya, [19 --]. Calcutta : Rupa, 1967. 5 p.l., 32 p. : plates, ports; 23 cm. 351 p. : front., plates; 22 cm. Acc. No. 4593 320.157 Gho Gandhiji on communal harmony / Hensman, C.R. selected and comp. with introd. by Bharati Mazumdar. The polemics of revolt : from - Mumbai : Mani Bhavan Gandhi to Guevara. - London Gandhi Sangrahalaya, 2003. : Allen Lane the Penguin viii, 65 p.; 21.5 cm. Press, 1969. 490 p.; 23 cm. Acc. No. 4629 301.245 Hen Gandhiji on khadi / selected and International Gandhi award : comp. with introd. by Divya informative booklet. - Joshi. - Mumbai : Mani Bhavan Gandhi Wardha : Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation, [2004]. Nehru-healing touch / edited 14 p.: col. Ill.; 22cm. by Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. - Tokyo : Tokyo Fuji Art Acc. No. 4904 Museum, 1994. 215[1] p.: Irfan Habib ill.(some col.), ports., 30x23 Towards a secular & modern cm. India : Gandhi reconsidered / Text in Japanese and English. Irfan Habib, Bipan Chandra "A special overseas cultural and others. - New Delhi : programme". Safdar Hashmi Memorial "The exhibition to Trust, 2004. 120 p. ; 21.5 cm. commemorate the 125th birth Acc. No. 4455 anniversary of Mahatma Jain, Manik Gandhi."-p.3 Gandhi handbook / Manik Chiefly pictorial. Jain [and] Mrinal Kanti Ray.- Acc. No. 4889 Kolkata : Philatelia, 2006. Kunte, B. G. 496 p. : ill. (chiefly col); 24.5 Source material for a history cm. of the freedom movement in India. - Bombay: Directorate Acc. No. 4794 of Government Printing and Jha, D.C. Stationary, Govt. of Mahatma Gandhi : the Maharashtra, 1973 - 1975. -v. congress and partition of ; 25.5 cm. India. - New Delhi : India Contents : vol. I - 1818 to Research Press, 2004. xv, 201 1885. - vol. II - 1885 to 1920. p. ; 21.5 cm. - vol. III, part I - 1915 to Acc. No. 3936 1922. - vol. III, part II - 1922 Kamath, M.V. to 1929. - vol. III, part III - Gandhi's coolie: life & times 1929 to1931. - vol. III, part of Ramkrishna Bajaj. - IV - 1931 to 1932 (Mahatma Ahmedabad : Allied Pub., Gandhi). - vol. III, part V - 1988. viii, 354 p.: plates; 22 1932. - vol. III, part VI - 1932 cm. to 1933 (Mahatma Gandhi). - Acc. No. 4890 vol. III, part VII - 1934 to King Ashoka, Mahatma Gandhi 1945 (Mahatma Gandhi). and Library has : vol. III, part iv, Mahatma Gandhi ; as a student / vi, viii. compiled and edited by J.M. Upadhyaya. - New Delhi : Acc. No. 4883 to 4885 Publications Division, Lahiri, P.C. Ministry of Information & In search of truth: a picture Broadcasting, G.I., 1994. album depicting a few front., facsims, ill.ports; 21.5 eventful landmarks from the cm. life of Mahatma Gandhi / Acc. No. 4229 picture and commentary [by] Mahatma Gandhi: essays and P.C. Lahiri (PICIEL, Amrita reflections on his life and Bazar Patrika). - Calcutta : A. work/ edited by Mukherjee & Co., 1947. S.Radhakrishnan together 94[1] p.: ill.; 14x19 cm. with a new memorial section. A book of cartoons. - 13th impression. -- Mumbai : Jaico Pub. House, 2005. xiv, Acc. No. 4892 566 p.; 21.5 cm. Mahatma Gandhi: a chronology / Presented to him [Mahatma complied by K.P. Goswami. - Gandhi] on his seventieth New Delhi : Publications birthday October 2nd, 1939. Division, Ministry of 1st pub in 1957. Information and Reprint edition. Broadcasting, G.I., 1971. 2 p.l., 220 p. ; 25.5 cm. Acc. No. 4398 Mahatma Gandhi : his life in xerox copy pictures. - 3rd ed. -- New Acc No. 4298 Delhi: Publications Division, Mahatma Gandhi and India's Ministry of Information and struggle Broadcasting, G. I., 1969. for swaraj / edited by B. [11] p.; front., 140 photos; Sengupta [and] R. 32.5 cm. Chowdhury; with a foreword by Ramananda Chatterjee. - Wormholes Calcutta : Modern Book, [1932]. xi, 415 p. : plate; 17.5 923.254084 PD cm. Mehendale, M.S. Wormholes Gandhi looks at leprosy. - Wardha : Gandhi Memorial Acc. No. 4832 Leprosy Foundation, 1971. x, legacy. (In: Himal 50 p.: ill.;24.5 cm. Southasian, March-April, xerox 2006. pp. 84 - 88 ) Acc No. 4903 Acc. No. 4893 Mehta, Kanti Nazareth, Pascal Alan The relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's outstanding Gandhi. - Puri : Gandhi leadership. - Bangalore : Labour Foundation, 1978. 16 Sarvodaya International Trust p.; 20.5 cm. jointly with Gandhi Centre of Science & Human Values, Acc. No.4863 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mehta, Ved 2006. 5 p.l., 127 p. : ill., Mahatma Gandhi and his ports.; 22 cm. apostles. - London : Andre Acc. No. 4619 Deutsch, 1977xi, 260 p. ; 23.5 cm. Netaji vs Gandhiji / compiled by Priya Ranjan Kundu. - Acc. No. 923.2 Meh Madhyamgram, West Bengal: Mukherjee, Hiren the author, [2000]. 5 p.l., 168 Gandhiji : a study. - 2nd rev. p.;21.5 cm. ed. -- New Delhi : People's Presented "to Sri Biren J. Pub. House, 1960. vii, 225 p.; Shah, (sic) His Excellency, 21.5 cm. the Governor of West Bengal, Acc. No. 4882 Calcutta - 1" - P.R.Kundu Munshi, Supriya dated January 14, 2001. Mahatma Gandhi in murals / Acc. No. 4908 text by Supriya Munshi ; Person of the century, 2000. - New edited by Shyamalkanti Delhi : Directorate of Chakravarti ; painting by Information Publicity, Govt. Dhirendranath Brahma. of Delhi, 2000. 128 p.: ill., Foreword by Dr. Phularenu ports., 27.5 cm. Guha. - Barrackpore : Gandhi Acc. No. 4888 Memorial Museum, 2005. 60 Prasad, Rajendra p.: col. Plates; 18 x 22 cm. At the feet of Mahatma Acc. No. 4277 Gandhi. - Bombay : Asia Nandy, Ashis Pub., 1961. vi, 335 p. ; 22 cm. The ambivilance about Acc. No. 923.25 Pra Gandhi : Southasia's difficulties with Gandhi's Prasad, Rajendra Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar : Pub. House, 1951. 55 p. ; 21 some reminiscences. - cm. Bombay : Hind Kitabs Ltd., Acc. No. 4258 1949. iv, 132 p. : port; 18,5 cm. Ramakrishnan, S. (Sundaram) Acc. No. 4558 Mahatma Gandhi : eternal pilgrim of peace and love / S. Prasad, Siddheshwar Ramakrishnan; collated by The real Gandhi. - Mumbai : Sheshrao Chavan. - Mumbai : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2002. xiv, 220 p.; 22 cm. 2001. xxvi, 136 p.: col. ill.; Acc. No. 4043 22.5 cm. Pyarelal Acc. No. 4044 Mahatma Gandhi. - Ahmedabad : Navajivan Pub. Reddy, E.S. House, 1986. 2 v.: facsim., Commemorating the ill., plates; 25 cm. centenary of Phoenix Contents : v.1 - The early Settlement, 1904 - 2004 / phase. -- v.2 -- The last phase. researched by E.S. Reddy and Library has : v. 1 Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie; Acc. No. 4880 compiled by Gandhi Development Trust. - Quotes of Gandhi / compiled by [Durban] : PrePress Designs, Shalu Bhalla. - New Delhi : [2004]. 28 p. : ill.; 20.5 cm. UBS Pub., 2004. 2 p.l., 224p. : front.;19 cm. Book sponsored by Project on Public Pasts, History Dept., Acc. No. 4861 University of the Western Rafiq Zakaria Cape. Gandhi and the break-up of India. - Mumbai: Bharatiya Acc. No. 4859 Vidya Bhavan, 1999. xiii, 304 p. ; plates; 22 cm. Roy, Asit Kumar Mahatma Gandhi's struggle : Acc.No. 4042 against imperialism, Rao, G. Ramachandra capitalism and communism. - An atheist with Gandhi / by Calcutta : World Press, 1994. Gora (G. Ramachandra Rao). xiv, 330 [6] p.: plates; 21 cm. - Ahmedabad : Navajivan Acc. No. 4857 Roy Choudhury, Kshitish mind. - New Delhi: Penguin, Gandhi and the eclipse of the 2004.xii, 259 p.; 22.5 cm. Raj ( India's final struggle to Acc. No. 4397 loosen the shackles of Stepaniants, Marietta T. bondage from the British Gandhi and the world today: Imperial Rule). - Barrackpore a : Gandhi Smarak Russian perspective / Sangrahalaya, 1994. 3 p.l., 70 Marietta T. Stepaniants; tr. [2] p.; 21.5 cm. from Russian by Ravi M. Acc. No. 4858 Bakaya. Edited by Bimal Roy Chaudhury, P.C. Prasad. - New Delhi : Gandhi : the man. - Mysore : Rajendra Prasad Academy, Geetha Book House, 1998. 84 p.;22 cm. 1974.264 p. ; 22 cm. Acc. No. 4870 Acc. No. 4266 Swaminathan, K. Saha, Panchanan Relevance of Gandhi and Tagore and Gandhi : other essays; foreword by R. confluence Venkataraman - Gandhigram of minds. - Kolkata : Barasat : Gandhigram Trust, 1998. vii Barta, 2001. 3 p.l., viii, 209 [ii], 96 p.; 21.5 cm. [iii] p.; 22 cm. Acc. No. 4871 Tendulkar, D.G. Acc. No. 320.954 Gandhi in Champaran. - New Sah Delhi : Publications Division, Sinha, Brojo Kishore Ministry of Information and The Pilgrim of Noakhali ( A Broadcasting, G.I., 1994. [x], souvenir album of Gandhiji's 45 p. : ill., plates; 20.5 cm. Peace Mission in Noakhali); Acc. No. 4594 1948. 34 p. Illustrated. Tendulkar, D.G. Has "To H.E. Mrs A.L. Dias Mahatma : life of Mohandas with compliments from B.K. Karamchand Gandhi. - Sinha (the author) 32 Asutosh Bombay : Vithalbhai K. Mukherjee Road , Calcutta Jhaveri & D.G. Tendulkar, 700020" on flyleaf. 1951 - 1954. 8v. : facsims, Acc. No. 779 Sin ill., plates, ports, 23.5 cm. Som, Reba Gandhi, Bose, Nehru and the Contents : vol.1 : 1869 - 1920 making of the modern Indian . - vol.II : 1920 - 1929. - vol. III : 1930 - 1934. - vol. iv : 1934 - 1938. - vol. v: 1938 - Bhavan's journal, v.1--, no.1--, 1940 ( Two copies). - vol.vi : 195--. - Mumbai : Bharatiya 1940 - 1945. - vol. vii: 1945 - Vidya Bhavan, 195-. -v.: ill., 1947 (two copies). - vol. viii: ports; 18 cm. 1947 - 1948 (two copies). Monthly Acc. No. 4846 to 4853 Editor :S. Ramakrishnan Library has : v.45, no. 12, Varma, Ravindra 1999 - special issue 51st year The spiritual perceptions of of Gandhiji's Martyrdom. - Mahatma Gandhi. - New Supplement to Bhavan's Delhi : Rupa, 2006. journal : 51st year of xvi, 209 p.; 22 cm. Martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi. Acc. No. 4845 Acc. No.4894 & 4895

Bengali Journals Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi marg; journal of Gandhi Gandhi-rachanasambhar / Peace Foundation, v. 1- , no. edited by Mritunjay Maiti. - 1-. - New Delhi : The Gandhi Kolkata: Mitra &Ghosh pub. Peace Foundation, [1979] -. - for Gandhi Satabarshiki v.; 24 cm. Samiti, 1969. 6 v.: plates, port.; 22 cm. Monthly. Editors : R.R. Diwakar [and] Contents . vol.1 : Atmakatha Mahendra Agrawal. athabha satyer proyag. - v.2 : Dakshin africaee satyagraha. - v.3 Library has : v. 4, no. 2 and 3, : Hind swaraj, sastha-nirdeshika, May-June, 1982. amar ahimsa, yarora jailer Acc. No. 2272 avignanta, nari o samajik avichar, Gandhi number, the Visvabharati patra-chayan ebam ahimsar pathe quarterly, vol. 35, no. 1 to 4, viswasanthi. - v.4 : Jivanbrata, niteedharma, gitabodh, anasakti- 1969 - 70 / editor : Sisir yog, ramnam, amar dharma. - v.5 : Kumar Ghosh. - Santiniketan sarbodaya, ahimsa samajbad, : Santiniketan Press, 1971. gathanmulak karmapaddhati, viii, 250 p. : facsims, plates; swadeshi, siksha, khadi, palli- 25 cm. punargathan. - v.6 : Noakhali Acc. No.4614 diary, Bihar diary, Delhi diary, swaraj o swadhinata, shesh nirdesh 3 p.l., 45 p.: front.; 19.5 cm. ( patra. Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no.2) 081 Mo.ga Acc. No. 301.44 bha.cha Bandyopadhyaya, Prabhatmohan Chattopadhyaya, Bhabani Prasad Gandhi-katha. - Kolkata : Prakasan Gandhijir dristite nari. - 2nd ed. - Upasamiti, Paschimbanga Gandhi Barrackpore : Supriyo Satabarshiki Samiti, 1968. 3 p.l., Munsi,Secretary,Gandhi 94[1] p.: front.; 19.5 cm. (Gandhi Sangrahalaya, 1999. 57 p.; 21 cm. satabdi pustakmala, no.1) Acc. No. B 228 920.002 pra.ba Chattopadhyaya, Vijaylal Madakdrabya barjan. - Kolkata : Bandyopadhyaya, Sailesh Kumar Prakasan Upasamiti, Paschim- Satyagraher katha. -- - Kolkata : banga Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, Prakasan Upasamiti, Paschim- 1969. 3 p.l., 56 p. : front.; 19.5 cm. banga Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, (Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no. 1969. 3 p.l., 91 p.: front.; 19.5 cm. 10) ( Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no. Brittle 7) 178.5 bi.cha 323.44 sai.bha Dasgupta, Satishchandra

Khadi o charkhar katha. -- - Kolkata : Basu, Nirmal Kumar Prakasan Upasamiti, Nirbachita rachana: pratnyatatya, Paschimbanga Gandhi sthapattya o silpakala. - Kolkata : Satabarshiki Samiti, 1969. 89[1] Centre for Archaeological Studies p.: front., ill.; 19 cm. ( Gandhi & Training, Eastern India in association with Indira Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no.13) Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay, Brittle Bhopal, 2006. 221 p.: photos, 338.63 sa.da port.: 22 cm. Datta, Kanailal Acc. No. B 254 Pallishastha. -- Kolkata : Prakasan

Upasamiti, Paschim- banga Chattopadhyaya, Bhabani Prasad Arthik samata. -- - Kolkata : Prakasan Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, 1969. Upasamiti, Paschim- banga 3 p.l., 63[1] p.: front.; 19.5 cm. Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, 1969. (Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no. 4) Acc. No. B 178 (Gandhi satabdi pushtakmala, no. Gandhi parikrama / edited by Sailesh 3) Kumar Bandopadhyay. - 3rd rev. 323.3 ni. m ed. - Barrackpore : Supriyo Munsi,Mukhopadhyay, Amiyaratan Secretary, Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Gandhiji: ki peyechi tar kachee.- 1999. 400 p.; 22.5 cm. Kolkata : Prakasan Upasamiti, Acc. No. B 215 Paschimbanga Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, 1970. x, 196 Gandhijir dristite bangla o bangalee / p. : front..; 22 cm. (Gandhi satabdi edited and translated by Bhabani pustakmala, 14) Prasad Chattopadhyaya. Kolkata : Acc. No. B105 Published by Mitra o Ghosh forRejaul Karim Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, B.S. Sampradayik samashya o 1376. 209 p.; 22 cm. Gandhiji. - Kolkata : Prakasan 954.142 bha.cha Upasamiti, Paschimbanga Gandhi Gupta, Ashoka Satabarshiki Samiti, 1969. 3 Noakhalir durjoger diney. - p.l.,47[1] p.: front.; 19.5 cm. Kolkata : Dey's Publishing, 1999. (Gandhi satabdi pustakmala, no.9) 85 p.: plates, 22 cm. Acc. The book deals with an account of No. 323.2 re.k the aftermath of riots in NoakhaliSen, Parvati Charan in 1946. Kustaseva. - Kolkata : Prakasan Acc. No. B 232 Upasamiti, Paschimbanga Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, 1968. 2 p.l., Kalelkar, Kaka 56[1] p.: front.; 19.5 cm. (Gandhi Bapu-darshan / Kaka Kalelkar; tr. satabdi pustakmala, no. 8) of 'Bapu Ki Jhankiyan' translated Acc. No. 614.546 pa.se by Birendranath Guha. - KolkataHindi :Suprakasan, 1950. 2 p.l., iii, 117 p.; 19 cm. Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Acc. No. B 255 Main kaun hoon ? / Mahatma Majumdar, Nishikanta Gandhi; sankalan - sampadan by Asprishyata barjan. -- - Kolkata : Kumar Prashant. - Rajghat, Prakasan Upasamiti, Paschim- Banarashi: Sarva Sebha Sangha - banga Gandhi Satabarshiki Samiti, prakasan, 2003. 72 p.; 21.5 cm. 1969. 3 p.l., 63 p. : front.; 19.5 cm. Acc. No.4896 Viyogi Hari Razi Ahmed Bapu ki aitihasik yatra. - 2nd ed. -- Sadaquat Asram . - Delhi : New Delhi, Publications Division, Sabdyo Prakashan, 1996. 262 p.; Ministry of Information and 21.5 cm. Broadcasting, G.I., 2005. 4 p.l., 99 Acc. No. 4897 p.; 22 cm. Rudolph, Susan O'ber Acc. No. 4900 Gandhi : karishma ke paramparagat adhar / Susan O'ber Gupta, Ashoka Rudolph and Lloyd I Rudolph; tr. Noakhali ke durdin/ Ashoka Into Hindi by Chittaranjan Datta. - Gupta; tr. By Pratima Agrawal. - Patna : Orient Longsman, 1999. xi, Mumbai: Mani Bhavan 116 p.; 21.5 cm. Sangrahalaya, 2003. Acc. No. 4902 Acc. No. 4899 Norwegian Faerøvik, Torbjørn Kamade, Shivanand Mahatma Gandhi : elsket og Cartoonon mein Gandhi. - Delhi hatet. -- Oslo: Cappelens, 2004. : Satsahitya Prakashan, 2005. 175 p. : ill.; 24.5 cm. 167[1]p.: ill.; 22 cm. Acc. No. 4898 Acc. No. 4905 Patil, Bishwas Gandhi-sadhana. - Mumbai: P.K. All the books listed and annotated by Anna Patil, 1996. 160 p. ; 21.5 cm. Uma Majumder, Librarian, Raj Bhavan Library, Kolkata. Acc. No. 4901

Rare photographs of Mahatma Gandhi in West Bengal Photo Archives of Raj Bhavan Kolkata - A List –

1. Children from the ashram at Bose on 26 October, 1937. 26 x Phoenix, Durban, South 38 cm. Africa, on their arrival in Black and white, glossy. Santiniketan, on 4 Source : Bengal Brata- November,1914. Photographed chari Society (30.5.2006) outside Notun Bari, Acc. No. P38 Santiniketan. 18 x 24 cm. 4. Gandhi seated on the floor Black and white, glossy, 4 with Dr. B. C. Roy and Dr. copies. Sunil Chandra Bose at 1, Source : Rabindra Bhavana, Woodburn Park, Calcutta, 26 Santiniketan. October, 1937. 11 x 16 cm. Acc. No. P11-14 Black and white, glossy. 2. Gandhi walking with Source — Dr. D. N. Bose, Deshbandhu C. R. Das and (given on 2 October, 2005). Mahadev Desai along the Acc. No. P1 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Track, Darjeeling. June 1925. 5. Gandhi standing with Netaji 21 x 30 cm. Subhas Chandra Bose and Dr. Sunil Chandra Bose at 1, Source : Sonam Gyaltsen, Woodburn Park, Calcutta, 1937. Darjeeling. 16 x 11.5 cm. Acc. No. P8 Black and white, glossySource : 3. Gandhi with Mahadev Desai Dr. D. N. Bose, (given on 2 and Pyarelal Nayar, seated on October, 2005). the floor, witnessing a cultural Acc. No. P2 programme presented by the Bratachari Society, on the 6. Gandhi taking a stroll at Sodepur terrace of 1, Woodburn Park, Ashram with Satish Chandra the residence of Sarat Chandra Dasgupta, Mahadev Desai, Sushila Nayar, Pyarelal. April, Acc. No. P9 1939. 30.5 x 45 cm. 10. Gandhi in a meeting with Black and white, glossy Lord Casey at Government Source : Gandhi House, Calcutta, December Sangrahalaya, 1945 / January 1946. 20.5 x Barrackpore. 28.5 cm. Acc. No. P4 Black and white, glossy, with an 7. Gandhi with Sarojini Naidu accompanying letter from Lord and Padmaja Naidu at Sodepur Casey to J.C. Patel. Khadi Pratisthan, 27 April, Source : Jayant C. Patel, 1939. 30.5 x 45 cm. Bombay Photo Stores Pvt. Ltd. Acc. No. Black and white, glossy P36 Source : Gandhi Sangra- halaya, Barrackpore. 11. Gandhi at Sodepur with Acc. No. Radha Maganlal Gandhi, Dipak Datta Chaudhuri and Kshitish 8. Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Chandra Dasgupta. May, 1947. Gandhi seated on a raised 30.5 x 45 cm. platform at Amra Kunja, Santiniketan, with Rabindranath Black and white, glossy Tagore seated on a similar Source : Gandhi Sangra - platform. 17 February, 1940. 15 halaya, Barrackpore. x 20 cm. Acc. No. P5 Black and white, glossy. 12. Gandhi at Sodepur with Source : Smt. Hashi Satish Chandra and Kshitish Raychaudhuri, who is also in the Chandra Dasgupta. May, 1947. photograph seated on the 30.5 x 45 cm. ground, (given on 19 January, 2006). Black and white, glossy Acc.No. P10 Source : Gandhi Sangra- halaya, Barrackpore. 9. Gandhi seated on the floor Acc. No. P6 at Santiniketan with Indulekha Ghosh among others. 18 Feb., 1940. 14 x 21 cm. Scanned from black and white 13. A View of Hydari Manzil, original. Beliaghata, August 1947. 30.5 x Source : Smt. Rama Ghosh, 45 cm. Bosepukur, Kolkata, June 2006. Gandhi stayed in the house during the Calcutta riots in 1947 Acc. No. CD 7 (on 15th August 1947 also) Bose, Nirmal Kumar Black and white, glossy Jackson Tiffany interviews Dr. Source : Gandhi Sangra- Nirmal Kumar Bose on non- halaya, Barrackpore. violence[at] Madison, U.S.A. Acc. No. P3 dated April 16, 1958.. 80 minutes Audio CD, 700 MB recordable 14.Gandhi seated on the floor at Moserbaer disc. Hydari Manzil, Copy from magnetic tape. Beliaghata, Acc. No. with Suhrawardy in loosened CD 8 necktie in front of him. Aug-Sep 1947. Scanned from Black & White original Source : G S Barrackpore. Bose, Nirmal Kumar Lecture on Gandhiji's personality 15. Photograph of the Urn that [at] Madison, U.S.A. dated April contained Gandhi's ashes, kept 17, 1958. 75 minutes Audio CD, on view at Raj Bhavan, 700 MB recordable Moserbaer Calcutta, 1948. 26 x 38.5 cm. disc. Copy from magnetic tape. Black and white, glossy. Source : Jayant C. Patel, Acc. No. CD 9 Bombay Photo Stores Pvt. Ltd. Acc. No. P37 Sodepur Gandhi Pratisthan & Beliaghata : 40 pictures. View Mahatma Gandhi in CDs CD. 700 MB recordable Sony disc.

Acc. No. CD 10 The Poet & the Mahatma / directed by Debabrata Roy ; voice of ‘Tagore’ : Soumitra Interview with Dr. B. C. Roy [taken Chattopadhyay. - Kolkata: by] B. B. C. Radio, 1955. Produced by R.K. Daga & I.K. CDRW-Sony -700 MB Mohta, 2006. Film duration one Acc. No. CD 11 hour. A documentary film on Sony DVD Setting and layout by Ashim Ghatak, Subir Kumar Mondal,Tapan Mukherjee and Tuhin Mukherjee. Printed by the staff of the Raj Bhavan Press, Kolkata.