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 | | Bengal Divided: Hindu Communalism and Partition, 1932-1947 (Cambridge South Asian Studies) by Joya Chatterji ISBN-10: 9780521411288 ISBN-10: 0-521-41128-9 ISBN-13: 9780521411288 ISBN-13: 978-0-521-41128-8 Hardcover 1995-01-27 Cambridge University Press Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description Whereas previous studies of the end of British rule in India have concentrated on the negotiations of the transfer of power at the all-India level or have considered the emergence of separatist politics amongst India's Muslim minorities, this study provides a re-evaluation of the history of Bengal focusing on the political and social processes that led to the demand for partition in Bengal and tracing the rise of Hindu communalism. In its most startling revelation, the author shows how the demand for a separate homeland for the Hindus, which was fuelled by a large and powerful section of Hindu society within Bengal, was seen as the only way to regain influence and to wrest power from the Muslim majority. The picture which emerges is one of a stratified and fragmented society moving away from the mainstream of Indian nationalism, and increasingly preoccupied with narrower, more parochial concerns. | ||
Book Description Bengal Divided relates how a large and powerful section of Hindu society in Bengal insisted that their province be divided to create a separate Hindu homeland. The picture which emerges is one of a fragmented society moving away from the mainstream of Indian nationalism, and increasingly preoccupied with more parochial concerns. | ||
Reviews | ||
Work of excellence It was plesure reading this book. Though its not 'easy' to read as the reader has to clear his way through the endless academic jargon. But this book has won at least the hearts of the east-bengalees, the translation into bengali is a testimony to this fact. Yes this book finally talks about some of truth behind the oft-referred 'Banga Bhanga'. This work de-mythified the mystery about that division and the clique that worked behind it - whether for or against it. The 'armchair communal Bhadralok' had a leading role in this historical movement and the fact that these people were definitely communal is an immense truth that comes out of this book. A testimony to this fact is actually added as the lone appendix to the book - the speech by Sharat Chandra Chaterjee. A modern Bengali must find amusement and for sure amazement at the sheer communal calls by this respected and hugely successful early-twentieth century writer. Thank you Ms Chaterji. | ||
Its Just Trash! Till 1945, both Congress and Hindu Mahasabha were demanding (undivided) Bengal not to be partitioned. Muslim League was asking for partition of Bengal. Suddenly, in 1947, the roles were reversed! Why is so? Because of Great Calcutta Killing, instigated by Muslim league. 1000s upon 1000s people were killed by Goons of Muslim league. The writer is a Known Communist, and still believes in fantasy. She should answer, why Communist leaders like Jyoti basu had to work in West Bengal, and not in Bangladesh. | ||
Finally, some truth A carefully woven fantastic book. Not only should all bengalis read it, all south asians should learn from her research. | ||
The Long Ignored Truth Joya Chatterjee has admirably argued and documented an aspect of Bengali politics long ignored, and still often unacknowledged (see other customer reviews!), by most Hindu Bengalis. It is true that the Muslim governments of the 30s and 40s did little to win over their confidence, but the Hindus themselves have a much longer history of bearing contempt for the Bengali Muslims, whom they hardly recognized as Bengalis. In an acute irony of history, it is these "mlecchas" who have achieved the first and only Bengali state in the world, while the West Bengalis have become a virtual colony of the "Hind Raj." Both Bengals would be faring much better today if they could have found some way to remain together when there was a real opportunity for that. The failure lies as much with the people as with the leaders - not only political, but cultural as well. And Chatterjee brings all this out with fascinating new scholarly reserach. | ||
More of a Communist View If you are into marxism etc you will love it. Otherwise its more of a imaginary fairytail rather than a History book. For any serious student of Bengal history this will be a waist. | ||