Midnight's Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India's Partition

"Midnight's Furies" by Nisid Hajari really gets your attention. His all-inclusive report of events occurring prior to and after India's partitioning disclosed viewpoints of the separation that may not be universally known. It was surprising to learn of Mahatma Gandhi's pivotal role in partitioning discussions moreover acknowledging his continuing mantra for an independent India. A well-written book. For centuries, Hindus and Muslims lived among each other with little or no violence. What could have possibly created the chasm between the two religious groups that caused the terror. From all accounts, The British Raj: During the colonial era, it was suggested Muslims create an opposition to the Hindu-controlled "Indian National Congress." The outcome was the "Muslim League".The leaders of the "League" and "Congress" iterated caustic and existential remarks as they vied to determine who would rule India after Independence. The tensions led to bloodbaths and random massacres the British forces could not control. The Viceroy attempted to assuage the disagreements; however, the atmosphere was a harbinger that went unnoticed until it was too late. The unraveling of centuries-old British imperial policies initiated tribal warfares, sectarian disputes, and quasi-independent states tethered to "Mother England" creating instability in the international community. A pyrrhic victory? Some will ask: did the leaders of the Muslim League accomplish their goals to form an independent state? "Pakistan is a Hard Country," wrote Anatol Lieven. Today, after sixty-eight years of independence, there are as many Muslims in India as in Pakistan. This book is a history lesson of the past that continues to live in the present. Hajari does not distort the facts. His excellent research and analysis revealed an objective account of the geopolitical quagmire involving the partitioning and the scope of fatalities that staggers the imagination. Bruce E. McLeod, Jr. Las Vegas, Nevada 12 July 2015

Old Memories refreshed. I was ten when we moved from Karachi to Lahore and finally to Amritsar on the 10th of August 1947 by 9:30 am train. Memories of dozens of dead bodies along the railway track are as fresh as this morning; all Hindus travelling to India by the 8:00 am train from Lahore were killed. We were lucky we missed that departure by the extended farewell ceremonies for my father at the Lahore train station. What Mr Hajari has presented is vividly true. I am minimally familiar with the politik of the creation of Pakistan. Irrespecive of Nasid's blood and origin, the book is very well researched, documented and accurate. Although the last part is hurried but it only minimally relevant to the Book.

'Midnight's Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India's Partition' by Nisid Hajari| With millions killed and many more millions displaced, the violence that followed after the partition of British India is considered one of the greatest tragedies of the century. Yet so little is known about this tragic part of our history. The author Nisid Hajair through this book provides a really insightful analysis of the Partition of British India and a detailed accounts of its consequences. The first few chapters focus on the initial fissures between communities and the strained equation between two main leaders Jinnah and Nehru, their irreconcilable differences. The latter half of the book focuses more on detailing the initial triggers, retaliation, and the atrocities during communal violence. Also discusses the role of various individuals, leaders, and organizations who were directly or indirectly involved in these killings. While it was very interesting to read, yet the detailed description of the killings, rapes and violence made it a depressing read. Maybe that's the reason why not much is spoken about this despite being a very major event in our country's recent history. Though I personally believe more blame lies with the founders of Pakistan and its supporters, reading the details in the book, made me more cognizant that things aren't black and white, and there were blunders from both the side. Even if you were to attribute more blame on one side over the other, what comes clear is that most victims of the violence were innocent people who might have nothing to do with these political decisions. Overall, a highly recommended read if interested to know about partition.

Very well written and an interesting read however this book provides no new information. Even it is biased in some places. Also when question comes about the positive facts about Indian side, author is putting "GUESS" or "ASSUMPTION" but any negativity is always backed by facts and figures.

Well researched and very well narrated, this book walks the tightrope of keeping an objective middle ground between two classic warring parties of Hindus and Sikhs versus Muslims successfully, while avoiding the pitfalls of expressing personal bias, although this must have been very tempting. After reading Midnights Furies it will become apparent why the prejudices between Hindus and muslims linger on and on, while there is no sight of any settlement in the Kashmir issue. Very well worth reading to gain insight into one of the worst episodes of mass carnage the world has ever seen.

My parents generation went through the turmoil of the separation of India and Pakistan at the end of the 40’s. Growing up in India till my teenage years, in the years following, I witnessed some of the aftermath of this event. I have always been curious about the details of what transpired during these events. This book provides a visceral account of the politics and the mindsets during that period. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the account, but it is a highly readable book.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a history book that I could hardly put down. Tension like a novel, although the events happened 70 years ago.

Its a must read for all those who still wonder what exactly happened during partition. Nishid has unfold the furies that started right from 1942....no partition happened overnight. We Indians should know what happened and how did this hatred towards pakistan come up in all of us. We have no reason to hate them, and yet we do....similarly pakistan has no reason to ruin themselves with a single point agenda of crushing India. In all the years since the deadly partition happened, the only truth I have lived with is that Jinnah was responsible for this partition. Folks, read this and you will be surprised to know how our country was mishandled by the likes of Jinnah!! Superb book!! amazing revelations!!

If you weren't sure what Midnight's Children was all about, this book will clarify it for you. An exceptional book.