At the close of 1941, the British were still in firm command of India and Southeast Asia, although they had lost Hong Kong to Japan in December 1941.
But by the end of 1942, the British had ceased controlling large parts of Asia. Precious resources like rubber, rice, and oil, which used to come from these areas, had started becoming scarce, and the Indian National Army was formed.
This book narrates how the British Empire shook in 1942, its rule in India came under severe threat, and the seeds of destruction of the British Rule in India were planted. The loss of India ensured that the Empire on which the Sun never set would collapse in the next twenty years.
The book analyzes the British defeat in Malaya, Singapore, and Burma and their impact on India and the Indian Army. It explains how, under Chatfield doctrine, the defense of these areas was the responsibility of the Indian Army, how the British debacle impacted the army morale in India, and how the formation of the Indian National Army and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s radio broadcasts destroyed the carefully built myth of British superiority and invincibility.
It covers how because Calcutta, Vizag, and Madras were bombed by the Japanese, ports in Eastern India were shut, and the British started making plans to evacuate from India.
Extensive citations bring out why Quit India was launched, how ineptly it was handled, and how it was suppressed in a matter of weeks.
This compact book covers one of the most significant years of Indian History.
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1. Book Geeks
The author meticulously delineates how “the army served as both a tool of oppression within India and a shield to safeguard British rule elsewhere.” The British projected an aura of invincibility, buoyed by their superior war machinery, sophisticated training methods, formidable naval prowess, and advanced military technology. However, while they remained vigilant against threats from Russia and other quarters in the northwest of India, they woefully neglected their defenses in the northeast.
Read More:https://www.bookgeeks.in/1942-when-british-rule-in-india-was-threatened-krishna-kumar-book-review/
2.The LiteratureTimes
Writes the Literature times‘Krishna Kumar narrative is not just a historical account; it’s a reflection on the choices, challenges, and consequences that shaped the destiny of a nation. The strategic blunders, the shifting alliances, and the internal fractures within the British administration are presented with clarity, allowing readers to comprehend the complexity of the geopolitical chessboard during this critical juncture.’
3.Keetabi Keeda
The most striking aspect of the book is how he weaves together these multifarious strands - from Gandhi’s faltering steps to Bose’s swashbuckling campaign - to depict a country at one of the most crucial junctures in its history. 1942 was when the future course of India’s freedom struggle was being decided. Krishna ji analyzes British strategy succinctly to show how their primary aim was to retain control rather than consider Indian independence. As he remarks, “The British learned from 1857 not to oppress both Hindus and Muslims simultaneously and divided the society.”
At the same time, Krishna ji is unsparing in his objective assessment of the failures of the nationalists. He points out how the resignations by Congress ministries in 1939 played into British hands and allowed Jinnah’s Muslim League to gain influence. Later in 1942 too, the Quit India movement was nothing short of a failure. The author notes how Gandhi had launched the movement more to “keep himself relevant” rather than any realistic assessment that the British could be made to leave at the height of the World War.
Read more: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/untitled
4.Bookishelf:
Kumar adopts a measured tone without hyperbole or dramatization. He diligently substantiates his analysis by citing a diverse range of authoritative sources. The book blends narrative flair with rigorous historical research. Kumar ably handles the complex interconnections between the numerous developments spread across disparate geographies. He succeeds in weaving together the multifaceted strands into an accessible and lucid account.
Read More https://www.bookishelf.com/1942-by-krishna-kumar-when-british-rule-in-india-was-threatened/
1. I rate the book a full 5 out of 5 stars for the commendable editorial work, the meticulousness of the author's research, and the use of language in communicating the information within, such that it is easily digestible for readers of all inclinations.
I recommend this book, particularly to history-focused readers, although it also serves as a wonderful guide for readers who seek to know more about the subject and consequently have a great time enjoying a well-put-together work of literature.
Full review link:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=465885
2.Krishna Kumar's '1942: 'British Rule in India was Threatened When' is the title of a pivotal historical book not only considering its extensive and sophisticated presentation but also preferring its sharp and factual style of writing. Kumar's prose is enviable for its readability factor providing an unparalleled opportunity for those who are beginners in history to understand complex historical events with enthusiasm and all what they need is to savor every word. But at the same time, the amazing research and in-depth narrative of the events are the elements that make this film colloquial for history buffs, historians, and students of history. The past events of 1942 are placed into a larger historical framework by the book in which we can trace colonialism and national liberation. A brilliant stroke however by Kumar is linking the birth of the Quit India Movement to previous independence movements like the Non Cooperation movement & the Civil Disobedience movement. Here by emphasizing on the presence of continuity and revolution that has been evident in India's struggle for independence he adumbrates the value of interconnectedness of historical events and their defining hangover on the Indian history in general. Kumar's book does not only touch upon India's fight for independence but also sheds light on the wider implications of 1942. Southeast Asian countries were affected too. 1942 is the year that brought major changes for the area as the Japanese troops started to perform aggressive military operations intended to seize their reign. The loss of the British colonies included Singapore Malaya and Burma emptied into Japanese control had the major impact which caused the changes of the geopolitical map and overthrown the existing power structures. As a reader from Southeast Asia this book offers a fresh perspective on historical relationships between nearby countries that occupied during the warring period it also helps to illuminate the complexities of regional interactions which greatly impact each other during the controversial history. - Reviewed by A Samudra via eBookFairs
3.Do you enjoy reading informative literature on Indian History? Are you interested in learning about India's resistance against British rule in the 1940s? Then give '1942 : When British Rule in India was Threatened' a read. This book offers a thorough explanation of the historic 1942 events that disrupted British colonial power in India. In the first chapters the book highlights the regional and global political environments that existed in India during 1942. It also explores how Imperial Japan's expansionist goals collided?with British strongholdsin Asia. This sets the stage for key historic events to transpire. Furthermore Britain's reputation suffers a severe blow with the loss of Singapore. The fall of Burma which revealed the Raj's weakness follows soon after this. Moreover the shameful withdrawal of vanquished British-Indian forces from India further serves to erode Britain's colonial governance. The emphasis of the finalchapters shifts to the escalating independence movement in India. National opposition prompted by the Indian National Army would ultimately bring aboutthe end of British colonial authority in India once and for all. Kumar's attention to detail helps to enhance this account of India's fight for independence from foreign rule. Aside from exploring the political climate during that period Kumar delves into the social and cultural aspects of India as well. The book captures the power and effect of public resistance and the commitment of countless humble Indian citizens who volunteered to become foot soldiers. Ultimately this book emerges as a tribute to the ethos of a country maneuvering the turbulent forces of independence and change rather than a mere account of India's political movements. I rate it five-stars. - Reviewed by Anne Muhamad via eBookFairs
Throughout history, any Empire has survived only as long as it could project its power. The power could be real or imagined, but it must be believable by its subjects.
The year 1942 was when the British lost a large part of this power projection.
Another event followed this- the formation of I.N.A.- that formed the basis of the eventual dismantling of the British Empire on which the sun never set.
By the time Marquess Wellesley, the Governor General of Bengal, was recalled by the East India Company in 1805, he had put a considerable part of India under the direct rule of the British as well as subsidiary alliances with most of the native rulers, allowing for British dominance in India. It kept increasing steadily, and when the British Crown took over the East India Company, the claim of the Empress of India held good for Queen Victoria of England.
Britain squeezed India to the maximum extent possible. An estimate for this period is that between one-fourth to one-third of the annual revenue of the Government of India was sent to England as home charges, besides sky-high salaries for British serving in India, high rates of returns from money invested in projects like Railways, and so on.
In 1921, the New York Times said,’ British Imperialism would be compelled to evacuate Great Britain itself before it would willingly evacuate India.’
The Empire tightly controlled India with oppressive laws imposed via a bureaucracy whose will was enforced by the police and Army.
The British war prowess in India had given them the image of being invincible. Their training methods, the discipline of the troops, and the assurance of regular monthly payment of the salaries, coupled with wins against princes and global deputations (which started in 1790), had created a mystique and aura of the British Indian Army. This aura and the Army were powerful tools in controlling the population in British India, and the significant reasons, besides the police force and administration, were that a small number of Britishers could control a vast and spread-out population. The Army was used to maintain control over the princely states and assist the administration in suppressing dissent.
The first dent in this aura of invincibility came when Britain itself came under threat by Luftwaffe bombing, the threat of invasion and naval blockades by U-2 Boats, and struggling for survival, lost Singapore, Malaya, Hongkong, and Burma in Asia.
The debacle of Singapore and Malaya in 1942 was a decisive loss to the British and demonstrated a poor strategy and inadequate fighting ability. When Singapore was lost to the British, 143,000 soldiers surrendered to the Japanese, almost all Indian, with British and Australian officers.
The areas from Hong Kong to Burma were tightly linked with India when under the British.
The British officers were interchanged with India in these places.
Trade in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaya, and Burma was substantially in the hands of Indian traders.
Malaya and Singapore had large numbers of labor and supervisory positions with Indians.
Therefore, what happened in these areas quickly became known to people in India and impacted India.
The second dent was the return of troops from Burma and the information coming from there about the treatment of British officers of their Indian troops, along with the inability to face the Japanese. The British Army officers had constantly underrated the Japanese and their fighting ability without paying close attention and placing enough value on Samurai Ethos and the Bushido code of the warrior.
When the Japanese took over Burma, tired, discouraged, and defeated, almost 100,000 British army soldiers came to India. Some were evacuated by air, some by motor vehicles or ships, and others, mostly Indians, walked through the dense jungles of Assam. Further, almost 400,000 civilians crossed over to India, many dying due to harsh terrain and indifferent evacuation arrangements.
Burma, till 1937, was part of India and managed from Calcutta. Even in 1942, Rangoon and Mandalay had regular ferry service from Calcutta and many Indians in trade and labor.
Each of these places had resources unique to that place, which were collectively exploited. Hong Kong was the traditional trading point with China. Singapore was where about 25% of the Empire's trade passed and was a major naval center. Malaya produced most of the tin and rubber for the Empire, and Burma was a significant source of Oil and Rice.[1].
As there were Indian traders and workers everywhere, events in one place necessarily impacted another.
Linked to all of them was India, where the people living in these places still maintained active links and often loyalty.
India supplied soldiers, support staff, and people for all parts of the British Empire.
During World War II, by 1942, soldiers under the arms of the British were around a million.[2], with more being recruited daily. Indian factories were in overdrive, producing goods for the Empire at the cost of depriving the population.
A question arises: why were there so many Indians in the British Army at these places? The answer to this is :
Under Chatfield committee, the role of the Army defined in 1939 was:
‘a. To maintain law and order in India and to suppress any possible rebellion.
b.To maintain the status quo vis-a-vis the tribes on the North West Frontier.
c.In Cooperation with the air force and the navy, to beat off sporadic attacks by hostile naval or air force.
d.To defend India against the attacks of a minor power like Afghanistan, and
e. To defend the Imperial outposts in the Middle East and Far East Area as bastions of India’s external defense’.
This highlights the priorities and goals of the Army very clearly. The Army was a tool of oppression while in India and a tool to defend British rule elsewhere.
The third dent was when the Japanese bombed the Indian cities of Calcutta, Madras, Vizag, and Kakinada. Many ships sank while in the harbor. Evacuation started from Coastal Cities, and ports on the Eastern side were closed for shipping.
After the Bombing of Madras, the British started to make plans to even evacuate from India, worried that the Japanese attack might come into full force. Because of the focus on the Northwest area for the defense of India, the British were simply not organized to meet an onslaught from the Northeast.
At the same time, to continue with British rule, the British strategy was to offer Indians increased involvement in administration, and Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India.
The failure of this mission, loss of membership of Congress, and being ignored by the British after the provincial government resignations gave rise to the Congress party launching a do-or-die agitation, later named 'Quit India.'
This became the fourth dent when the Congress party launched its agitation and protest in August ’42.
Thus, as never before, India's British rule came under external and internal threats.
The ordinary person in India was amazed at these happenings and found one surprise after another this year.
The Japanese threat of naval blockade or further bombing of India was over when Japan suffered setbacks in the Pacific.
The monsoon stopped the possibility of a land invasion of India from Burma.
The August ‘42 agitation of Congress was suppressed with brutal repression within two months of launch.
Thus, things were beginning to change in favor of the British by the end of the year. However, Malaya, Singapore, Hongkong, and Burma did not return to British control till '45.
The fifth dent, which eventually became the fatal blow to the Empire, was given by Subhas Chandra Bose, who had escaped from India and formed the Indian National Army in Germany, followed by the Indian National Army in Southeast Asia in '42. Later, when Subhas Chandra Bose took over this Army, he energized the soldiers and increased their inspiration and commitment to nationalism, which became legendary.
The Indian National Army became the slow fuse that exploded the gunpowder of dissent and suppression in and ignited the whole of India in ’45-’46 and forced Britain to leave India. Soon, one by one, countries forming the Empire had to be vacated, and in the next twenty years, the Empire was over.
The seed of British rule's collapse in India and the British Empire was sown with the events of 1942, and this book describes and analyzes those events and their consequences.
[1]Burma was the second-largest exporter of Rice in the world at that time.
[2] By the war's end, this figure had reached around 2.5 million.
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