Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Evolution of Gandhi’s economic thought. 2. Alienation and wantlessness. 3. On industrialization. 4. Theory of trusteeship. 5. Labour-capital relations. 6. Rural reconstruction. 7. Gandhi and the capitalists. 8. Gandhism, communism and socialism. 9. Doctrine of Swadeshi. 10. Gandhian economic order. Bibliography. Index.

Mahatma Gandhi regarded economics as a moral science and laid tremendous emphasis on the ethical aspect of the problem. Economics that hurts the moral well-being of an individual or a nation and does not cater to the needs of the poor and down trodden is immoral and, therefore, sinful. Its goal is not pure material benefits but advancement of humanity on its road to progress. No one’s gain should be anybody’s loss, financial, physical, moral or spiritual. The Mahatma denounced the concept of ‘Economic Man’ because the mind of this industrialized robot suffers an almost complete black out when it comes to freedom and responsibilities of a human person.

That is why Gandhi formulated his economic principles in the context of his design of an ideal social order : a non-violent non-exploitative, humanistic and egalitarian society. Satisfaction of needs and moral elevation of individual were not anti-thetical for him.

At a time when humanity is groaning under crushing burden of a number of miseries and struggling with the night-mare of a terrifying future, the alternative course indicated by the unerring fingers should come as a solace to all those who seek happiness, real prosperity, peace and goodwill for all.

This outstanding book is bound to blaze a new trail of alternative economics. It promises to bring to its readers not only a new understanding of Gandhi but of the globalised world we live in today.  (jacket)