Customer Reviews

Bengal Divided: Hindu Communalism and Partition, 1932-1947 (Cambridge South Asian Studies)

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being a bengali-muslim from kolkata, i read with fascination the unraveling of the second partition of my beloved homeland. growing up in present-day west bengal, i was always told of the great sacrifices made by a particular community to keep bengal united and the utter callous and parochial view of the muslim league anatagonists. this book is a strong testament of contrary evidence. armchair communal "bhadraloks" of present time should read this book to learn about "real" history!! this is a great work and long overdue.

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.

A carefully woven fantastic book. Not only should all bengalis read it, all south asians should learn from her research.

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.

Joya Chatterji has woven a story that is neither convincing nor well written. The author seems to work toward an agenda of his/her own - facts are selected, pruned, sometimes modified, to fit the author's predetermined world view. Consequently, reading the book becomes a drag for anyone looking for objective recounting of the turbulent history of Bengal. If you are looking for credible source of information and history on the partition of Bengal, I would strong advise you to skip this book.

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.

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.