India's Partition

India's Partition is a book that examines the partition of India in the context of the decline of the British Empire. The author, Panigrahi, argues that the partition was not inevitable and was not the preferred option for most parties involved. The book explores the complex relationship between India and Britain leading up to independence and the split, and delves into the motivations of the leaders who made important decisions during this crucial time. The partition, which divided the subcontinent along religious lines, is seen as a precursor to future events. The book is based on new source material from both England and India.

Based on new source material available in both England and India, India's Partition examines the partition in the context of the retreat of the British Empire. The freeing of India from British rule was the result of internal forces in both countries, while the split of the subcontinent along religious lines served as a harbinger for things to come. Panigrahi argues that partition was not a foregone conclusion and was not the favoured option for most of the main parties, but rather was the result of a unique set of circumstances. An erudite exploration of the highly complex relations between India and Britain leading up to independence and the split, India's Partition looks at the leaders who made far-reaching decisions - and their motivations - during this critical time.