Dethroned
The Downfall of India's Princely States
Format:Hardback
Publisher:C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Published:2nd Nov '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This book recounts the complex betrayal of Indian princely states during the transition to independence, as depicted in Dethroned.
The book Dethroned tells the poignant and dramatic true story of the betrayal faced by hundreds of Indian princely states during a pivotal moment in history. In July 1947, as India stood on the brink of independence, Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, addressed the Chamber of Princes in New Delhi. With just three weeks to persuade over 550 sovereign princely states to join either India or Pakistan, Mountbatten faced a daunting task. These princes, once loyal allies of the British, now found themselves at a crossroads, with the power to choose their own destinies amidst the chaos of a transitioning nation.
The narrative unfolds as a saga of political intrigue, marked by the actions of Mountbatten and key figures in independent India, including V.P. Menon and Vallabhbhai Patel. While hailed as a 'bloodless revolution,' the reality was far more complex, as regions like Kashmir erupted in violence and Hyderabad's aspirations for independence were crushed by military force. The book explores the tension between ambition and reality, as the architects of modern India maneuvered through a landscape fraught with challenges.
Ultimately, most princes capitulated, trading their power for promises of titles and privileges that would soon become hollow. Dethroned captures the essence of a historical moment where political expediency led to the demise of royal dynasties, leaving behind only the echoes of a once-glorious past. It is a compelling exploration of loss, identity, and the harsh realities of political transformation.
'[A] gripping history – exhaustively researched, and written with all the pace and tension of a thriller – of how the fate of the princely states would be determined in the face of independence and Partition.'
-- The Telegraph‘Dethroned is set to become a classic on the end of India’s and Pakistan’s aristocracy.’
-- The Spectator‘[A] highly readable, balanced account [of how]… the twilight of the princes was a turning point in history, an event comparable in scale to the unification of Italy in 1861, or of Germany ten years later.’
-- TLS‘A thoroughly entertaining account of decline and fall.’
-- Literary Review‘A full, even-handed account of the political and constitutional saga of the princely states.’
-- The Critic‘Journalistic flair shines through in Dethroned.’
-- The Week‘This is a serious book dealing with an important subject and the author’s best book to date.’
-- Asian Affairs‘An absorbing account … Zubrzycki is a master storyteller and writes engagingly and with insight about the princes who played a crucial though perhaps under-appreciated role in shaping the destiny of a democratic India.’
-- The Round Table'Deeply researched and persuasively presented.'
-- News 18'A lively portrait of an extraordinarily complex moment.'
-- The Sunday Morning Herald‘In the grand tapestry of Indian history, 'Dethroned' stands as a seminal work that reshapes our understanding of Indian decolonisation.’
-- International Journal of Asian Studies'A terrific book [...] For history buffs, [this is] a captivating read about the creation of twentieth century India packed with fascinating, extensive detail.'
-- Sydney Arts Guide'Engagingly written, meticulously researched and peppered with delicious anecdotes. Zubrzycki deftly captures the political intrigue involved in this epoch-defining negotiation at independent India's founding moment--a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Indian history, or even just in brilliant writing!'
-- Shashi Tharoor MP, author of Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India'Zubrzycki lifts the veil on the turbulent period in Indian history when Nehru and Patel--determined to stop the Balkanisation of India--cajole, arm-twist and sometimes blatantly use force to bring the princely states onside. What plays out is a game of chess for the highest of stakes between two countries, with 563 pieces on the deck, leaving fault lines that burn even today.'
-- Shrabani Basu, journalist, historian and author of Victoria & Abdul'Delivered with verve, narrative pace and a delicious sense of irony. I felt, at times, as if I were reading a crime thriller.'
-- Ian Copland, Emeritus Professor of History, Monash University, and author of The Princes of India in the Endgame of Empire, 1917–1947'This story of the Indian Princely States from 1947 to their loss of privileges in 1971 fills an important gap in Indian history, shedding new insights into controversies which continue to this day.'
-- Andrew Lownie, author of The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves'Zubrzycki tells this almost unknown story in masterly fashion. Dethroned is well-researched, lucidly written and highly revealing.'
-- Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, author of Empire Building: The Construction of British India, 1690–1860'Zubrzycki's talents as a writer and historian shine in this fresh and fast-paced book. He confidently portrays the colourful characters and complex events that left volatile legacies for the twenty-first century.'
-- Robin Jeffrey, Visiting Research Professor, National University of Singapore'This important account of the momentous breakup of British India and the achieving of independence makes for fascinating reading--a narrative impressively narrated.'
-- Jim Masselos, Honorary Associate in History, University of Sydney'A captivating story of political intrigue and expediency in a race against time. In the tragedy of the princely demise few players are blameless, as the writer weighs the pride and obduracy of the rulers against the ruthlessness of British and Indian politicians.'
-- Caroline Keen, author of A Judge in Madras: Sir Sidney Wadsworth and the Indian Civil Service, 1913-47ISBN: 9781805260530
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
360 pages