1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh

Different writers including those who participated in this war in different capacities from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have written a number of books on this subject reflecting their own experiences during the war and what they have known at that time, sometimes thier statements controvercial and cotradicting each other. However, there are some books which tried to give some touch at the happenings at that time, vis-a-vis, what was going on politically, diplomatically and militarily in India and Pakistan and with the Bangladesh Govt in exile, international players and the UN, but this is the first very well reasearched book that I have come across provided answers to all dimensions; political, military, diplomacy incl international diplomacy. Its a well written book and I would recommend it to others who want to know all about this war and the creation of Bangladesh. I noticed that the writer didn't mention the deployment of Russian troops at Sinkiang (Zhinziang) border just before the war started to deter China from taking any move, which I read in the writing of some Indian General but I can't remember. I conhratulate the writer for this well reasearched book in providing the insight into all dimensions of the conflict. I request the writer to notice that some words used in the book are not usual words for a non-english reader to apprehend, I had to use my dictionary several times to understand the meaning. At the time of the conflict I was a university student in Bangladesh involved with politics and was in India during the war. I have seen lot of things happening but of course on a narrow scale not what has been put in the book in a broader dimension . After reading this and other books and from my own experience, I can summarise in a nutshell the particular contributions of persons, organisations and countries apart from the participation of the people of Bangladesh in achieving the independence of Bangladesh as follows: 1) Awami League and its leader Sk Mujib was instrumental in orgainising the people of Bangladesh for self-determination and created the urge for independence. 2) The student organisations took the struggle a step further for the urge of independence without any knowledge of its consequences. 3) Sk Mujib being a pragmatic leader didn't go for independence, knowing that no outside help will come and Bangladeshi people were not militarily prepared to face the Pakistanis at the time. But he was showing another card to Pakistanis that if power transfer was not negotiated amicably he has the option for probable independence. 4) Gen Zia out of compulsion and at the urging of the Awami League leaders in Chittagong went to the radio station and declared independence first by himself and then on behalf of Sk Mujib. 5) Tajuddin Ahmed and his associates took a remarkable stance in orgainising the govt in exile up to independence. 6) India out of compulsion, refugee problem and own internal problem at that time, and also to achieve its own goal of cutting Pakistan to size, which was also unreal with two wings separated by 1000 kms, did orchestrated world opinion, military assistance and training of Mukti Bahini. 7) If it was not Indira Gandhi at the time it may not have happened. Any other Indian leader would not have that zeal, tenacity and perseverance to persue the cause to its final ending. 8) Russian help for India to deter any misadventure by US and China to change the situation in Pakistan's favour and its veto in the security council. 9) Kader Siddiqi's help in creating space for landing Indian paratroopers in Tangail and bringing them to Dhaka through a short cut way. 10) Cowardice surrender of the Pakistani Generals who could literally go on fighting for months preventing fall of Dhaka and a ceasefire by putting their establishments in the civilian areas and taking account of the natural barriers to Dhaka (the three rivers) and 30,000 soldiers at their disposal. 11) Finally, the bluff of General Jacob of Indian army to coerce donkeys (Pakistani Generals) to surrender.If I am wrong in my assessment I would ask anyone to correct me.

Much needed global perspective on the 1971 crisis.The why of the war rather than which unit fought where. The greatest villains in Pakistan society are its politicians. The generals finish a distant second. Bhutto was at the back in 1965 and out in front in 1971, everytime turning the tables on the hapless general at the end of the mess. Also understand why Zia had no problems hanging him and why Pakistans civil society wasnt too upset either. The Nixon/Kissinger - China dimension is most revealing - how real politik trumps every other consideration. There is a lesson there for India. We need to protect our interests brutally if need be. On the other hand China didnt lift a finger in 65 or 71. One wonders whether all this `warmth` in Sino-Pak relation will bear the fruit Pakistan expects. Overall a must read for anyone interested in the era or in subcontinent politics.

Written by a Indian historian this work goes into great detail on the intense political intrigue and violence that led up to the creation of Bangladesh. I was introduced to the main Pakistani leaders in the West who could not find a way to negotiate w the East. Mao, Brehenez, Gromyko, Gandhi, Nixon, Kissinger and other titans from the times play a role in the book. Great read. Well written with a great flow to the read. Highly recommended.

5 stars

I like this book. The author did a lot of research concerning diplomat conversations about 1971.It is a very valuable resource. But it was written to appease the US by blunting the blame against Pakistan

Excellant book. Well written with fluent language. Well documented. Most interesting for people who are interested in global geo-politics. Role of world powers in context of creation of Bangladesh.

A very informative and a well researched book. Puts a new perspective on Bangladesh's historic War of Independence of 1971.

love it.

History depicted in the book is not at all accurate. Role of the Mukti Bahini (liberation force) is ignored, shown as mainly a conflict between Pakistan and India, which is only partially true.

Fantastic book on the history of Bangladesh. Definitely exposes the US for what they truly were - monsters.

dear sir,There are many books written on India Pakistan War of 1971. Some have been written by Generals and others by diplomats. This book by Mr Srinath Raghavan deals with the diplomatic aspects of the war. It has not dealt with any aspect of strategy or war game. Many books would be written in future also but this is very good book on the glorious history of India which became possible by able leadership of Mr Indira Gandhi, her able advisers, Great Generals Admirals and Air Chief. In spite of American treachery towards human rights, great principles on which America is standing, Mr Richard Nixion president at that time and his dubious Secretary of State Mr Henry Kissinger, India very adroitly established itself first time in history a Regional Power scored great victory and removed illusion of Mr Yahya Khan, Mr Julifiquar Ali Bhutto and Pakistan Army Generals.America went so low in the first time in history in spite of wise advice of Kenneth B Keating, then American Ambassador In India, Archer Blood then Consul General In Dacca, and personnel of state department, and advice of George Bush Senior then American Chief in UN. They tried their best to involve China against India, tried to sell Arms to Pakistan via Jordan and Iran and tilted towards Pakistan. They completely ignored the great spirit of Bangla Desh people to fight for independence, the genocide by Pakistan Army great refugee problem of India. Mr President and Secretary of State of USA first time tried to undermine the Indian Sovereignty and Indian freedom and threat Indian Government. This book is not discussing the Shimla Agreement and follies of Mrs Indira Gandhi.Mrs India Gandhi failed to solve Kashmir Problem and Mr Bhutto fooled Mrs Gandhi. Indian Victory turned into Indian defeat and Mrs Gandhi got only white paper as Simla agreement and now Pakistan is bleeding India.There are certain mistakes in the book and I hope these would be corrected in the new Edition of the book.At page 252 it is mentioned^ On the 10th November , Governor A M Malik of East Pakistan sent a ceasefire proposal to the senior UN Official in Dacca Mr Paul Marc Henri.^ it is wrong. On 10th November the War was not even started and the proposal was sent on either 13th December 1971 or 14th December 1971.The English is good, the printing of the book is very good and the price is very reasonable. I strongly recommend this book to the persons who are interested in the Glorious History of India, to Diplomats, and students of India Pakistan relationsK S ChaturvediMathura

A great read on the diplomatic negotiations with various parties on the issue at hand and some people tried to force India to act differently. A great insight in the thought process of head of governments from various countries. The author has done a good research to ensure the readers get a good picture of who stood where and whom at one of the worst political crisis in the Global History.

A lot has been written about the Indo-Pak war of 1971. This book gives you sizeable information of the diplomatic moves that were so important in this context. Very informative and a very useful tool of information.