Several great men and women of India have contributed immensely in ideas as well as action to create a free and modern India. Among these greats, Gandhi, Nehru and Tagore have an importance that is conceded even by their most bitter critics. Their ideas may be controversial, not unanimously accepted, but they were striking enough to provoke a response from others and have an impact on the masses. In this book an attempt has been made to put together the life, thoughts, and achievements of the three illustrious personalities. Besides, brief sketches of other eminent personalities have been included—admittedly far from being exhaustive. These men and women have made noteworthy contributions to various phases of India’s freedom struggle as well as to various fields of socio-economic development. The ideas and achievements of these leaders are not to be found in any single source. Many a book and encyclopaedia have had to be consulted for the research. The book would be of use to candidates of many competitive examinations, especially the UPSC Civil Services examination, both the Prelims and the Mains. Besides it would appeal to general readers seeking to know something about these famous personalities.