Conflicted: A History Podcast The Partition of India – Part 2: Two Blind Eyes
Aug 2, 2022
The podcast discusses the crumbling of the British Raj in India and the rise of Muhammed Ali Jinnah, who calls for the creation of Pakistan. It explores the Hindu-Muslim tensions that explode into violence during the Great Calcutta Killing. The podcast also delves into the conflicting perceptions of Jinnah and the looming power vacuum left by the departing British. It discusses the charismatic leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and the potential for him to become a dictator. The episode uncovers the mystery behind a piece of writing by Nehru and explores the demands for the creation of Pakistan. It delves into the violent consequences of Direct Action Day and the urgency of bringing Pakistan into existence.
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Swaran and Gulam
- Swaran Singh Riot, a Sikh, and Gulam, a Muslim, were best friends in Punjab.
- Partition forced Gulam to flee, and Swaran was later conscripted into a Sikh raiding party that massacred Muslims.
Partition's Lingering Mystery
- Many partition survivors express confusion and resentment, blaming the British.
- A common misconception is that inter-community relations were perfect before partition, ignoring pre-existing tensions.
Conflicting Histories
- Hindus viewed India's history as a paradise lost, corrupted by invaders.
- Muslims saw it as a paradise found, a glorious empire lost to infighting and colonization.