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A review by adarsh
India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, Aditya Mukherjee, Sucheta Mahajan, K.N. Panikkar, Mridula Mukherjee
4.0
This is the first real book on the history of Indian independence struggle that I have read so that does raise doubts about rating it - a history book - without having anything else to draw comparison from. But then I think it’s good in a way as I won’t be prejudiced in my review. I’ll settle for giving it 4 stars.
I thought it was a great book. For a first timer like me it was a great place to start reading about India’s independence struggle. It presents a complete overview of independence movement and also talks about the socio-economic backdrop against which the struggle was set and how relevant were the methods adopted. There were times when I was left wanting for more details regarding certain events, but then if the author had catered to that the book would have ended up being doubly or triply thick. And a very hard read for a rookie.
One thing going against the book would be that the whole tale is told from the perspective of Congress. You’ll often feel that the author is trying to justify the congress’ or Gandhi’s stance just because, well, they lead the freedom movement. The author repeatedly indulges in rationalizing their decisions which, though might not be completely incorrect, does cast doubts in the readers' mind regarding author's neutrality. It is easy to say in the hindsight that all their decisions were right since they succeeded in the end. It would have been much better if the book had maintained a more neutral tone. This is why it didn't seem fair to give it 5 stars.
But otherwise this is a very good book that gives quite a clear insight into the freedom struggle. It was quite a humbling experience to read about the movement and the great leaders behind it, many of whom are rarely acknowledged today. Their lives and ideologies are elucidated with reasonable detail and often with amusing anecdotes.
I must accept that it was also a bit embarrassing after having completed the book that I knew so less about our own history. You will come to know about the lives and ideologies of men who were absolute intellectuals. You’ll realize how bold and modern the idea of a united, democratic, sovereign and secular India was at that time under the then prevailing conditions. Had it not been for the clear understanding about India’s socio-economic realities and needs by the leaders of the movement and their vision for the future of the country India would have ended up being another Pakistan.
I would recommend this book for everyone who wants to know and understand Indian independence movement.
I thought it was a great book. For a first timer like me it was a great place to start reading about India’s independence struggle. It presents a complete overview of independence movement and also talks about the socio-economic backdrop against which the struggle was set and how relevant were the methods adopted. There were times when I was left wanting for more details regarding certain events, but then if the author had catered to that the book would have ended up being doubly or triply thick. And a very hard read for a rookie.
One thing going against the book would be that the whole tale is told from the perspective of Congress. You’ll often feel that the author is trying to justify the congress’ or Gandhi’s stance just because, well, they lead the freedom movement. The author repeatedly indulges in rationalizing their decisions which, though might not be completely incorrect, does cast doubts in the readers' mind regarding author's neutrality. It is easy to say in the hindsight that all their decisions were right since they succeeded in the end. It would have been much better if the book had maintained a more neutral tone. This is why it didn't seem fair to give it 5 stars.
But otherwise this is a very good book that gives quite a clear insight into the freedom struggle. It was quite a humbling experience to read about the movement and the great leaders behind it, many of whom are rarely acknowledged today. Their lives and ideologies are elucidated with reasonable detail and often with amusing anecdotes.
I must accept that it was also a bit embarrassing after having completed the book that I knew so less about our own history. You will come to know about the lives and ideologies of men who were absolute intellectuals. You’ll realize how bold and modern the idea of a united, democratic, sovereign and secular India was at that time under the then prevailing conditions. Had it not been for the clear understanding about India’s socio-economic realities and needs by the leaders of the movement and their vision for the future of the country India would have ended up being another Pakistan.
I would recommend this book for everyone who wants to know and understand Indian independence movement.