The Mother India

Mother India (1927) by Katherine Mayo is a highly controversial critique of Indian society, culture, and politics, particularly opposing the Indian independence movement. Mayo criticizes India's treatment of women, Dalits, and animals, while portraying Indian men as sexually weak, attributing societal issues like rape and early pregnancies to this. The book was widely criticized for racial prejudice and misrepresentation of India. Mahatma Gandhi condemned it as distorted, and it was burned in protests. Despite some praise, it remains a symbol of imperialist, Indophobic views.