A New Republic

In the first of two episodes on the Government of India Act of 1935, I set the context for this masterpiece in Imperial legislation that somehow persists in the daily life of all Indians. Bonus feature: Slightly sexier voice.

In this episode we explore the aftermath of the Simon Commission, and the sham that were the Round Table Conferences. Sham... but also British political masterstroke. The Indians got seriously played.

In this episode we explore the complex context and implications of the Nehru Report, why it left Jinnah feeling humiliated, and how it had both positive and negative outcomes. It also contains a selfie featuring Gandhi, Nehru, Jinn... ok, not really.

In this episode we look at the fiasco that was the Simon Commission. This attempt to review Indian government was a failure, but it set the foundation for India's eventual independence. It also perhaps helped make the Indian National Congress the political phenomenon it is today. Also I suggest that the Simon Commission was possibly less horrible than people think it was.

A full 12 years before independent India drew up its constitution, a small princely state in Western India ratified its own Gandhian constitution. This is a highly compact telling of the story of the Aundh Experiment.

In the first of a two-part series of episodes we look at Gandhi's visions of Indian statehood and constitutionalism. The Mahatma is often seen as an exemplary freedom fighter, but a somewhat naive nation builder. The podcast begs to differ. Featuring a cameo appearance by JP Narayan.

P.S. Slightly longer than usual. Apologies.

In this episode we look very briefly at the legislative implications of the Government of India Act of 1919. While this was an act that was widely reviled at the time, it ironically continues to have lasting influence on the Indian republic. Beware the opening monologue.

In this episode we look at the aftermath of the First World War on India's nationalist movement, the economic state of affairs, and how British politicians betrayed India's hopes of self-government. Highlights include use of the word "puke".

This week we look at India's participation in the First World War, and how the war created an environment for the next phase of India's constitutional history. Featuring a field trip to Brighton and a tiny village in France.

This week we take a break from the story-telling to chat with Rohit De, an expert on the Indian constitution and its history. We briefly review at the ground we've covered so far and then preview the story ahead. De also tells us why there was a waning of interest in the Indian Constitution starting in the 1970s. The first of our episodes featuring invited guests.