Why I Killed the Mahatma: Understanding Godse’s Defence

It is common knowledge that Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead in 1948 by a Hindu militant, shortly after India had both gained her independence and lost nearly a quarter of her territory to the new state of Pakistan. Lesser known is assassin Nathuram Godse’s motive. Until now, no publication has dealt with this question, except for the naked text of Godse’s own defence speech during his trial. It didn’t save him from the hangman, but still contains substantive arguments against the facile glorification of the Mahatma. Dr Koenraad Elst compares Godse’s case against Gandhi with criticisms voiced in wider circles, and with historical data known at the time or brought to light since. While the Mahatma was extolled by the Hindu masses, political leaders of divergent persuasions who had had dealings with him were less enthusiastic. Their sobering views would have become the received wisdom about the Mahatma if he hadn’t been martyred. Yet, the author also presents some new considerations in Gandhi’s defence from unexpected quarters. Contents: Preface 1. The Murder of Mahatma Gandhi and Its Consequences 2. Nathuram Godse’s Background 3. Critique of Gandhi’s Policies 4. Gandhi’s Responsibility for the Partition 5. Godse’s Verdict on Gandhi 6. Other Hindu Voices on Gandhi Conclusion Appendices Appendix 1: Sangh Parivar, the Last Gandhians Appendix 2: Gandhi in World War II Appendix 3: Mahatma Gandhi’s Letters to Hitler Appendix 4: Learning from Mahatma Gandhi’s Mistakes Appendix 5: Questioning the Mahatma Appendix 6: Gandhi and Mandela Appendix 7: Gandhi the Englishman Bibliography