Nehru, Jawaharlal.

Estimate

4,000 - 5,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Series of 29 letters signed and 4 autograph letters and notes signed ("Jawaharlal", "J. Nehru", "J.N."), to Shri Mridula Sarabhai, most headed Personal, Confidential, or Secret, together with a document signed ("Note on the proposal to have a Training Centre for Children"), a greeting card signed, 5 letters and notes signed by Nehru's assistant M.O. Mathai, 29 envelopes, and a printed document

discussing subjects including events in Kashmir, Sarabhai's political campaigns ("...your activities have done great harm not only to India but also to the cause of Kashmir and, if I may say so, to the cause of mutual understanding in Kashmir..."), the rehousing of Muslims evicted from their homes at Partition, and a humanitarian project for homeless children in Delhi, 46 pages, mostly 4to and folio, 12 September 1948 to 29 August 1957, nicks and tears, one letter split, punch holes

"I must act according to my own judgment. I know perhaps better than you do of the consequences of what is happening and what is likely to happen - consequences not only in Kashmir but the whole of India and Pakistan." (3 August 1953, just before the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah as Kashmiri Prime Minister)

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the text, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Letters by Nehru to a friend and colleague in the years after Independence.

Mridula Sarabhai (1911-1974) was born into a wealthy industrialist Shrimal Jain family from Ahmedabad - her brother Vikram was a physicist considered the father of the Indian space programme. She was involved in the struggle for Independence from a young age and was a lifelong friend of Nehru, although they disagreed over many important political issues. She was a supporter of women's rights, worked for communal harmony, and was involved in social and relief work. Her obstinacy made her a difficult person to work with, and it was her stance on Kashmir - the subject of several of these letters - that led above all to tension with Nehru. She was a defiant supporter of Sheikh Abdullah even after his overthrow and imprisonment, and was a vocal critic of Nehru's policies in the troubled province.

Much of this correspondence is taken up with criticism of Sarabhai's public statements and rejections of various proposals, but there are glimpses of another side to their relationship. She travelled with Nehru very frequently: she is told off in one letter for her habit of sitting in the front seat of the Prime Minister's car, and at one point Nehru reminds her that "I told you some time ago that there was no point in your accompanying me in all my tours". These letters also show that she worked closely with Nehru's daughter Indira on a children's charity.