Nehru, Jawaharlal (1889-1964)

Indian nationalist politician, prime minister from 1947 until his death. Before the partition (the division of British India into India and Pakistan), he led the socialist wing of the nationalist Congress Party, and was second in influence only to Mahatma Gandhi. He was imprisoned nine times by the British 1921-45 for political activities. As prime minister from the creation of the dominion (later republic) of India in August 1947, he originated the idea of non-alignment (neutrality towards major powers). His daughter was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the UN General Assembly's first female president 1953-54.