Khadi—Gandhi's Mega Symbol of Subversion

Perhaps the most powerful symbol in Gandhi's movement toward Indian independence was the return to a traditional style of dress, thereby questioning the underlying acceptance of British superiority. However this was complicated by India's own adherence to the caste system and untouchability. Gonsalves (social communication, Salesian Pontifical U., Italy) describes Gandhi's careful steering of the independence movement through both this problem and the underlying tension between Hindus and Muslims. The approach is broader than a focus on clothing, of course, and considers key aspects of Gandhi's philosophy and their manifestation in the Satyagraha movement. The volume contains five appendixes outlining subjects like the economic damage to India caused by British imperialism and a list of Gandhi's arrests and imprisonments. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)