Discover a compelling narrative that explores the history of modern South Asia through the transformative events of five significant partitions. In Shattered Lands, Sam Dalrymple takes you on a journey back to a time when a vast region, known as the 'Indian Empire', was a unified dominion under British rule. With a rich tapestry of peoples and cultures, this empire stretched from the Red Sea to the jungles of Southeast Asia, home to an astonishing quarter of the world’s population.
Over the course of just fifty years, the Indian Empire fragmented, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region. Through insightful analysis and detailed storytelling, Dalrymple reveals how new nations emerged, borders were redrawn, and a legacy of conflict and division came to be. This book is more than just a historical account; it’s an exploration of ambition and betrayal, highlighting the impact of forgotten wars and unexpected alliances.
With deep archival research and voices from previously untranslated private memoirs, the author presents a multidimensional view of a period marked by turmoil and transformation. The vivid portraits of political leaders intertwine with the harrowing experiences of those affected by the wars and mass migrations. From insights in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Konyak, Arabic, and Burmese, Shattered Lands offers a comprehensive understanding of how the modern map of Asia was shaped.
This is a thought-provoking, essential read for anyone interested in the intricate history and enduring legacies of the region that continues to influence global dynamics today.
