Understanding India's Partition: A Review of 'Andrea Guhas India After Gandhi'

Upon delving into the partition period of India's history, This was the first book I picked up to seek a deeper understanding of this tumultuous era. The language in the book is not particularly difficult to read, but it is not as accessible as one might anticipate. The book covers a vast historical timeframe, albeit compressed into just one to two years, and it delves into the riots, the actions of irresponsible princes, and the complexities of politicians including Mahatma Gandhi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The authors have conducted extensive research, and the book's pages, numbering over 500, are well worth turning through. It is an invaluable resource for anyone curious about the fabric of India during such a critical period. Although I was familiar with the basic facts of the partition before reading this book, my insights have certainly deepened. This book provides a comprehensive and nuanced look at what India was like during its partition.

However, one aspect of the book deserves critique. The authors exhibit a profound admiration for Lord Mountbatten, deemed the paramount governor and cut of the partition. There seems to be an almost unwavering adoration for him. This might be due to the authors' connection to Lord Mountbatten, as they were chosen to pen his biography. Such reverence for Mountbatten can obscure a balanced view and might limit the book's objectivity. Nonetheless, this bias should not deter readers from exploring the wealth of information and perspectives offered in the book.

In conclusion, 'Andrea Guhas India After Gandhi' is a thorough and engaging read that offers a rich understanding of India during the partition period. While it may present a somewhat idealized portrait of Lord Mountbatten, it remains a valuable historical account that enriches one’s knowledge of this pivotal time in Indian history.