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The Dramatic Decade : The Indira Gandhi Years
The Dramatic Decade focuses on one of the most fascinating periods in the life of this nation—the decade of the 1970s. This was when India found herself engaging with the true meaning of democracy. The nation displayed her commitment to liberty by extending full support to East Pakistan’s struggle for independence. Later, between 1975 and 1977, during the Emergency, she found herself grappling with the limits of personal expression. Finally, in 1977, India saw the emergence of the politics of coalition, with the Janata Party—an amalgam of Indian parties opposed to the Emergency, comprising the Congress (O), the Bharatiya Lok Dal, the Jana Sangh and the Socialists—coming to power. This was a turning point in the history of the Indian legislature.
This was the decade when Pranab Mukherjee committed himself to the role of a political activist. As one of the keenest observers of and participants in this dramatic decade, Pranab Mukherjee’s insights are invaluable. Indeed, he nudges our impressions of the 1970s. For instance, recounting the urgent appeal for Indira Gandhi’s mid-term resignation, he asks:
Which democracy in the world would permit a change of a popularly and freely elected government through means other than a popular election? Can parties beaten at the hustings replace a popularly elected government by sheer agitation? Was it not prudent for those who were determined to change the government to wait till the elections which were but round the corner? Does the rule of law mean that the remedies available to the common man are to be denied to someone holding an elected office? […] How could anybody replace her when the overwhelming majority of Congress MPs—with a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha—resolved that Indira Gandhi should continue as the party’s leader in Parliament and thereby as the Prime Minister of India?
Drawing from personal diary extracts, conversations with key players of the 1970s, and vital secondary literature, Pranab Mukherjee presents an exceptional portrait of a complex nation.
Unflinchingly honest, with personal diary excerpts and conversations with the key players of the 1970s.
•An exceptional portrait of a complex nation.
•A rare account by one of the keenest observers of and participants in the 1970s and beyond.
•A keen analysis of and compelling take on one of the most contentious periods in Independent India’s past: The Emergency.
•One of three volumes to provide a bird’s eye view of modern Indian history from the perspective of one of India’s most important statesmen.
This was the decade when Pranab Mukherjee committed himself to the role of a political activist. As one of the keenest observers of and participants in this dramatic decade, Pranab Mukherjee’s insights are invaluable. Indeed, he nudges our impressions of the 1970s. For instance, recounting the urgent appeal for Indira Gandhi’s mid-term resignation, he asks:
Which democracy in the world would permit a change of a popularly and freely elected government through means other than a popular election? Can parties beaten at the hustings replace a popularly elected government by sheer agitation? Was it not prudent for those who were determined to change the government to wait till the elections which were but round the corner? Does the rule of law mean that the remedies available to the common man are to be denied to someone holding an elected office? […] How could anybody replace her when the overwhelming majority of Congress MPs—with a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha—resolved that Indira Gandhi should continue as the party’s leader in Parliament and thereby as the Prime Minister of India?
Drawing from personal diary extracts, conversations with key players of the 1970s, and vital secondary literature, Pranab Mukherjee presents an exceptional portrait of a complex nation.
Unflinchingly honest, with personal diary excerpts and conversations with the key players of the 1970s.
•An exceptional portrait of a complex nation.
•A rare account by one of the keenest observers of and participants in the 1970s and beyond.
•A keen analysis of and compelling take on one of the most contentious periods in Independent India’s past: The Emergency.
•One of three volumes to provide a bird’s eye view of modern Indian history from the perspective of one of India’s most important statesmen.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2014
149 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Pranab Mukherjee
12 books22 followersPranab Mukherjee is an Indian politician who was the 13th President of India. A man of unparalleled experience in governance, he has the rare distinction of having served at different times as Foreign, Defence, Commerce and Finance Minister. He was elected to the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) five times from 1969 and twice to the Lower House of the Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 2004. He was a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest policy making body of the Party for a period of 23 years. A powerful orator and scholar, Shri Mukherjee’s intellectual and political prowess as well as remarkable knowledge of international relations, financial affairs and parliamentary process are widely admired. He has been acclaimed for his role as a consensus builder on difficult national issues through his ability to forge unity amongst the diverse political parties that form part of India’s vibrant multi-party democracy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 24, 2014
This is the first part of a 3 part series. The book desires to put a record to what is indeed a 'dramatic decade' in the context of politics, regional parties and constitutional activism. However, it falls far short of the promise. Part of the blame must be laid at the lack of editorial discipline and part of it is to be assigned to the author himself. A linear and contextual map of events and analysis is forsaken in favor of an all over the place approach. The result is the interesting lack of foresight in using the chapter headings to indicate what the content is about. And I am beginning to be convinced that books (especially like these) need companion digital presence so as to create a very well thought out 'second screen' reading map. There used to be a concept of a 'Reader' for specific books and anthologies. That the new media age has forgotten about it is a comic oversight.
No new material is presented and neither is a fresh perspective offered. Instead, the author provides a terrible blandness in the point-of-view. Almost as if the desire was to offend none and provide a text of commentary. It is intriguing that someone who has always been in the thick of things would use journals and diaries and yet be so incredibly dispassionate about events. The monotone flatness of the prose makes reading through the book a bit of an effort. I would not recommend it unless you want to use the mention of the events as a jump-off points to do your own studies and research. For that it is a well put together piece of text.
No new material is presented and neither is a fresh perspective offered. Instead, the author provides a terrible blandness in the point-of-view. Almost as if the desire was to offend none and provide a text of commentary. It is intriguing that someone who has always been in the thick of things would use journals and diaries and yet be so incredibly dispassionate about events. The monotone flatness of the prose makes reading through the book a bit of an effort. I would not recommend it unless you want to use the mention of the events as a jump-off points to do your own studies and research. For that it is a well put together piece of text.
September 14, 2017
What an irony ! The book itself lacks drama. Every Indian who is interested in exploring more about the "dark days" of Emergency would instantly fall for this book going by its cover - Mr. Mukherjee himself talking about the events unfolding during the reign of Indira Gandhi.
Disappointingly, the book is just a timeline of events - most of them featuring high level meetings and the reorganization of institutions. A barrage of abbreviations and an endless stream of names of people who do not feature ever again in the book are enough to leave the reader disenchanted. The author does not explain the 'whys' and 'hows' of the events and focuses just on the dates and the people involved. You'll come across a paragraph or two occasionally to keep you slightly interested.
I don't think I will be eagerly awaiting the release of the second book in the series.
Disappointingly, the book is just a timeline of events - most of them featuring high level meetings and the reorganization of institutions. A barrage of abbreviations and an endless stream of names of people who do not feature ever again in the book are enough to leave the reader disenchanted. The author does not explain the 'whys' and 'hows' of the events and focuses just on the dates and the people involved. You'll come across a paragraph or two occasionally to keep you slightly interested.
I don't think I will be eagerly awaiting the release of the second book in the series.
September 19, 2017
Nobody can deny that Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is one of the most astute political minds. As an eternal second in charge of UPA regime, he was left to manage troublesome political alliance partners and opposition parties. A book from him about the Indira Gandhi years raised expectations. But, “The Dramatic Decade – The Indira Gandhi Years” fails to throw any new light on those darkest spots of a period when so much happened. Mr Mukherjee wants to be non controversial is apparent. His sympathy for Mrs Indira Gandhi and his derision for the grand old men of the Janata Govt. runs through the pages. His intelligent narration of events of the period will leave an impression with a reader not conversant with the events of those years that Mrs. Gandhi was more wronged by her opponents and the media. It is true that the election of Mrs. Gandhi was set aside on purely technical grounds and judging by today’s standards it was just a minor misuse of official position. An unsuspecting and a casual reader will get an impression that the reversal of Allahabad Judgement in Supreme Court was a vindication of Mrs. Gandhi(Page74). But only a careful reader who goes through the Appendix will know that the Supreme Court struck down Allahabad judgment due to the retrospective amendment of the then existing election law(Appendix 6). To be fair to Mr. Mukherjee he has included in the Appendixes more valuable information which gives an impression of balance in the book. I will quote another instance of his narration of Mrs. Gandhi’s arrest in October, 1977. “ A few minutes later, the judge, R. Dayal, delivered his judgement and she was honourably acquitted.” As far as I remember, the release of Mrs. Gandhi was on a technical point(non filing of FIR) and there was no honourable acquittal. There is one lesser known facts of that event - Judge R. Dayal subsequently superseded many senior judges of Delhi subordinate judiciary to become a High Court Judge and ultimately retire as a Chief Justice of a High Court. There are also some small errors which the editorial team seem to have missed. Was V.V. Giri the President of India during the promulgation of emergency?(Page 72). Or was there a leader by the name of Shankar Dayal Singh(page 109). Reader is left with a feeling much more light might have been thrown on the events of an important decade in the Indian history.
December 20, 2014
This book is a true reflection of the authors intellectual depth or rather the lack of it. I couldn't and shouldn't have expected this to be any better. In fact I should not waste my time writing a review on this.
April 12, 2016
Such a boring book considering the book is titled "dramatic" decade. What is supposed to be an insider's account becomes a protracted regurgitation of facts and persons' names with no deep insights into the psyche of that intriguing woman - Indira Gandhi.
June 29, 2017
Such sycophancy this book is. No political analysis of any kind. No insightful commentary. The editor I believe forgot to do his/her job. He plans to write two more volumes. I request Rupa Books not to publish them if the level of writing remains the same. Worst choice of book in this summer.
March 8, 2017
Shri Pranab Mukherjee is the current President of India. The first citizen of the country adds lustre to the position he holds on account of the intellectual capacity of the man behind the constitutional paraphernalia. I remember watching an interview with Pranab Mukherjee a few years ago when the anchor asked him what he intends to do after retirement. His answer still rings in my ears. His modest reply was that he’ll retire to his home and read some books which he always wanted to read, but had had not time to! Born in the remote village of Mirati in Birbhum district of Bengal in 1935, Mukherjee steadily climbed higher upon the ladder till he graced the highest chair in India. He could make this dream run on account of the sheer dedication to work and unflinching loyalty to his political masters, notably Indira Gandhi. This book is a record of the first decade of the author’s political and administrative career that spans nearly half a century. Supposedly the first in a trilogy, this volume covers the 1970s, in which India witnessed two great events that come rarely in history – the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and the disappearance of civil liberties during the Emergency (1975 – 77). Mukherjee was a minister of state in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet during these years and hence presents a ring-side view of political changes as it unfolded tumultuously.
The author gives a detailed view of the politics in East Pakistan that gradually built up its tempo to end in a crescendo of war and liberation. The case of Bangladesh is a poignant reminder to theocracies that religion alone is not a durable cement to keep glued together two societies which are separated by language, geography, cultural outlook and history. East Pakistanis revolted the moment when Urdu was declared as the sole national language of the new state. Democracy always had shallow roots in Pakistan. The top bureaucrats and military men hailing from Punjab dominated Pakistan’s echelons of power. They enforced their will on East Pakistan, just like they do now on Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber–Pakhtunkhwa. A notable feature was that East Pakistan rioted and voted en masse, so that electoral victories easily came their way. Fazlul Haq’s United Front swept the polls in 1954. The Awami League of Sheikh Mujib ur-Rehman made a still spectacular performance in 1970, when his sweeping victory in East Pakistan ensured absolute majority for his party in the federal legislature as well. West Pakistan declined to share power. They sent in troops to crush the Bengalis with systematic murder, rape and loot. East Pakistan fought back with Indian help which finally transformed into a war between the two neighbours. After only thirteen days of warfare, Pakistan meekly surrendered its 91,000 soldiers in the newly created Bangladesh. Mukherjee presents an absorbing picture of the heroic freedom struggle of Bangladesh.
The events that led to the declaration of Emergency are narrated in some detail, but with a strong bias in favour of the ruling party. This is expected, as the author himself was a minister in the cabinet that signed in Emergency. No details of the excesses during this period is seen in the book, except a few tangential references to the stifling of judiciary, suspension of fundamental rights and political activity, large scale arrests of political leaders and activists, press censorship and extending the tenure of legislature without conducting elections. It is shocking for us to read now that Indira Gandhi transferred sixteen judges of higher courts in a single day so as to ensure compliance to her tricks and strategies. As conciliation to the readers, Mukherjee counts a few positive changes he had observed in the course of Emergency, such as discipline in public life, growing economy, controlled inflation, a reversed trade deficit, enhanced developmental expenditure and crackdown on tax evasion and smuggling. The book also includes Indira Gandhi’s life in the Opposition and how she played her opponents against each other. The Janata party crumbled under its own weight of leaders acting at cross-purposes and selfishly. Even though marked by loss of personal freedom, he ranks the period as one in which Indian democracy matured. He is obviously making a veiled reference to Congress' defeat in the elections held immediately after the lifting of Emergency.
Mukherjee’s loyalty is impeccable. Even when writing at a remove of 35 years, he does not let even a single critical word slip out of his pen. Even though a well-lettered man, the author was not a darling of the crowds, with the result that he lost many elections to the Lok Sabha. It was Indira Gandhi who made him a cabinet minister even after his defeat in the election. Mukherjee returns the trust and affection Indira reposed on him. A split had occurred in the party when Devraj Urs demanded that the Karnataka state party chief to be elected. The author ridicules him for his ‘unrealistic’ stand as the chief were normally nominated by Indira Gandhi herself. She was surrounded by cronies and sycophants as noted by Mukherjee when he terms Janardana Poojary, an MP from Mangaluru, as a ‘devotee’ of Indira Gandhi (p. 219).
Pranabji is not a great story teller by instinct. Terse facts and statistics are reproduced abundantly, but the story is told in a halting style. He sometimes resorts to name all the people who attended a meeting, which finds no relevance to the reader. In a hint of self-promotion, he reproduces verbatim the editorials of major newspapers praising the author’s achievements. The government introduced a scheme of voluntary disclosure of untaxed wealth in 1976. Curiously it may seem, the tax rate for this disclosed income at 50% was actually lower than the 60% rate applied on an honest taxpayer. Naturally, the scheme was a great success and the book includes three editorials lauding him. The book includes a good collection of photographs and lot of appendices detailing points mentioned in passing. A basic index is also provided.
The book is highly recommended.
The author gives a detailed view of the politics in East Pakistan that gradually built up its tempo to end in a crescendo of war and liberation. The case of Bangladesh is a poignant reminder to theocracies that religion alone is not a durable cement to keep glued together two societies which are separated by language, geography, cultural outlook and history. East Pakistanis revolted the moment when Urdu was declared as the sole national language of the new state. Democracy always had shallow roots in Pakistan. The top bureaucrats and military men hailing from Punjab dominated Pakistan’s echelons of power. They enforced their will on East Pakistan, just like they do now on Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber–Pakhtunkhwa. A notable feature was that East Pakistan rioted and voted en masse, so that electoral victories easily came their way. Fazlul Haq’s United Front swept the polls in 1954. The Awami League of Sheikh Mujib ur-Rehman made a still spectacular performance in 1970, when his sweeping victory in East Pakistan ensured absolute majority for his party in the federal legislature as well. West Pakistan declined to share power. They sent in troops to crush the Bengalis with systematic murder, rape and loot. East Pakistan fought back with Indian help which finally transformed into a war between the two neighbours. After only thirteen days of warfare, Pakistan meekly surrendered its 91,000 soldiers in the newly created Bangladesh. Mukherjee presents an absorbing picture of the heroic freedom struggle of Bangladesh.
The events that led to the declaration of Emergency are narrated in some detail, but with a strong bias in favour of the ruling party. This is expected, as the author himself was a minister in the cabinet that signed in Emergency. No details of the excesses during this period is seen in the book, except a few tangential references to the stifling of judiciary, suspension of fundamental rights and political activity, large scale arrests of political leaders and activists, press censorship and extending the tenure of legislature without conducting elections. It is shocking for us to read now that Indira Gandhi transferred sixteen judges of higher courts in a single day so as to ensure compliance to her tricks and strategies. As conciliation to the readers, Mukherjee counts a few positive changes he had observed in the course of Emergency, such as discipline in public life, growing economy, controlled inflation, a reversed trade deficit, enhanced developmental expenditure and crackdown on tax evasion and smuggling. The book also includes Indira Gandhi’s life in the Opposition and how she played her opponents against each other. The Janata party crumbled under its own weight of leaders acting at cross-purposes and selfishly. Even though marked by loss of personal freedom, he ranks the period as one in which Indian democracy matured. He is obviously making a veiled reference to Congress' defeat in the elections held immediately after the lifting of Emergency.
Mukherjee’s loyalty is impeccable. Even when writing at a remove of 35 years, he does not let even a single critical word slip out of his pen. Even though a well-lettered man, the author was not a darling of the crowds, with the result that he lost many elections to the Lok Sabha. It was Indira Gandhi who made him a cabinet minister even after his defeat in the election. Mukherjee returns the trust and affection Indira reposed on him. A split had occurred in the party when Devraj Urs demanded that the Karnataka state party chief to be elected. The author ridicules him for his ‘unrealistic’ stand as the chief were normally nominated by Indira Gandhi herself. She was surrounded by cronies and sycophants as noted by Mukherjee when he terms Janardana Poojary, an MP from Mangaluru, as a ‘devotee’ of Indira Gandhi (p. 219).
Pranabji is not a great story teller by instinct. Terse facts and statistics are reproduced abundantly, but the story is told in a halting style. He sometimes resorts to name all the people who attended a meeting, which finds no relevance to the reader. In a hint of self-promotion, he reproduces verbatim the editorials of major newspapers praising the author’s achievements. The government introduced a scheme of voluntary disclosure of untaxed wealth in 1976. Curiously it may seem, the tax rate for this disclosed income at 50% was actually lower than the 60% rate applied on an honest taxpayer. Naturally, the scheme was a great success and the book includes three editorials lauding him. The book includes a good collection of photographs and lot of appendices detailing points mentioned in passing. A basic index is also provided.
The book is highly recommended.
December 31, 2022
Wish the 'Dramatic' in the title was reflected in the contents of the book, for this is one dull account of an undisputedly exciting period in Indian politics. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on the truly seminal events, like the Bangladesh liberation war and the Emergency, Pranab da is only interested in telling us what he was up to during those years - and sadly for the reader, what he was busy with does not make for engaging reading. One would have been happy even with a robust defence of Mrs. Gandhi's call to suspend the fundamental rights for all Indians even though it would have been justifying the unjustifiable. But the author does not even do that. All he looks to do is to regurgitate some tidbits that have been in circulation since decades with no added input from his side. The book redeems itself somewhat when describing the failings of the Janta Party government, and for that, it gets one added star.
April 28, 2024
#6 #indianauthors
Okay I really don’t liked this book at all. This looks like listening to a longish essay of a pompous political figure. Mr Pranab Mukherjee being an ex-president of India and part of so many govts could have written about so much which happened in India. He decided to focus and defend The Decade of Emergency in 70s. How the whole narrative shifted in favour and then against Indira Gandhi and then she again made a comeback.
I don’t like it as a writing style wherein there is no story or narrative or a lesson in this book. It just state facts which again are questionable as it is from Mr Mukherjee’s point of view. Though he supported Emergency he never touched on the excess misuse of power Ms Gandhi used during the era. There didn’t seem any reason besides her fear of losing the power in her hands which forced her to implement it.
For me worst book till date !
Okay I really don’t liked this book at all. This looks like listening to a longish essay of a pompous political figure. Mr Pranab Mukherjee being an ex-president of India and part of so many govts could have written about so much which happened in India. He decided to focus and defend The Decade of Emergency in 70s. How the whole narrative shifted in favour and then against Indira Gandhi and then she again made a comeback.
I don’t like it as a writing style wherein there is no story or narrative or a lesson in this book. It just state facts which again are questionable as it is from Mr Mukherjee’s point of view. Though he supported Emergency he never touched on the excess misuse of power Ms Gandhi used during the era. There didn’t seem any reason besides her fear of losing the power in her hands which forced her to implement it.
For me worst book till date !
February 18, 2025
Dramatic decade covers the period between 1967 to 1980 approximately. The decade covers 3 important events, the 1971 war to liberate Bangladesh, 1975 emergency and the emergence of coalition politics with Janata party coming to power in 1977 and eventual ouster with Indira Gandhi back in power. Disappointed to read only a high level coverage of the events and that too mostly what was in the media. If you are looking for any insights into some of the decisions that were taken, you will be disappointed. What is most disappointing is the manner in which Pranab attempts a pathetic defense of the emergency and the atrocities by Indira Gandhi. None of Sanjai Gandhi's excesses are covered as well. Pranab shamelessly tries to prove his loyalty as a dynastic slave of Indira's family.
December 21, 2014
Interesting take on a most tumultuous decade that still casts a shadow on Indian polity but the account gets a little disjointed going back in forth in relating the dramatic events and the continuity gets tangled. Also the repeated featuring of a panel of names is somewhat jarring. Also makes a couple or so on avoidable errors such as in the chapter on the Bangladesh war, we learn that Punjabis and Afghans? ran the shots in then Pakistan. But overall an instructive and informative read of high politics of the age where Indian democracy faced and surmounted a major challenge to its existence... Looking forward to the next installments...
February 28, 2018
the book is waste of time and boring. Mukherjee he is praise himself and Congress party leaders of Gandhi Family. Gandhi Family he done good thing.... that is the book is all about. About Dalit he used Harijan word, it is absurd and show lack knowledge about Indian society and history. He wrote that SC/ST community his party only is doing ..... and all the things and their upliftment is because of Congress, I am amazed at of this quote or writing. He is self proclaimed intellectual in his book. He is nothing but small loyalist and chamcha of Congress before writing about SC/ST community. He is not infallible man..... he should remember.
November 3, 2017
I read this book with lot of expectations since I had good respect for Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, but the book didnt live upto the expectation. The author clearly has shied away from providing candid views and was more of appeasement view. Either I misunderstood Mr. Mukherjee personality that it came as a shock to me or he has written this with political views in mind.
Also the book is not very chronological. It went back and forth on the events and it made me skim through certain sections.
The book is also lot of Congress view of the world and not the India view of the decade.
Also the book is not very chronological. It went back and forth on the events and it made me skim through certain sections.
The book is also lot of Congress view of the world and not the India view of the decade.
November 18, 2017
A must read to understand why our country's progress is still slow. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has vividly explained all the events with data, however, he failed to mention Indian citizens. Clearly, if those figures got time from that drama then something could have been done for the country.
December 16, 2014
The worst book ever
August 27, 2015
Read it only if you're interested in Congress's history.
December 13, 2015
the title should be "defending indira gandhi " , or " greatness of indira" , or " how indira is victimised for the error ( emergency ) "
But the writing style is fluid.
But the writing style is fluid.
September 1, 2025
#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Indian Government and Politics
The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years by Pranab Mukherjee is as much a memoir as it is a political history, written with the steady, measured tone that you’d expect from a statesman who was not just a witness but also a participant in the events that shaped India in the 1970s.
Reading it feels like sitting down with an elder who has lived through turbulence and now looks back with a mixture of honesty, caution, and restraint.
The 1970s were anything but ordinary for India—wars, political upheavals, economic challenges, and above all, the towering presence of Indira Gandhi. Mukherjee takes us through this period not with the drama of a sensationalist but with the calm analysis of someone who was there in the inner circles, seeing both the brilliance and the blunders.
What makes the book fascinating is how he neither lapses into hagiography nor harsh criticism. Instead, he shows Indira Gandhi as complex—resolute yet vulnerable, decisive yet sometimes trapped by the very machinery she sought to control.
The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and India’s role in it occupy a central place in this narrative, and rightly so, because it defined not only India’s foreign policy but also Indira Gandhi’s stature as a leader of global consequence.
Mukherjee explains the careful strategy, the diplomatic manoeuvring, and the eventual triumph that gave India both confidence and recognition on the world stage. At the same time, he does not shy away from acknowledging the economic and political costs that followed, and the strains that came with that glory.
The other unavoidable theme is, of course, the Emergency. Mukherjee’s treatment of it is nuanced—he neither justifies nor completely condemns. He tries instead to explain the compulsions, the environment of fear, and the breakdown of political communication that led to that extraordinary suspension of democracy. His words reveal both proximity and distance: proximity, because he was part of the Congress system then; distance, because he writes with the hindsight of history. The Emergency remains one of the most debated chapters in Indian politics, and his reflections add valuable layers to our understanding of it.
What makes the book compelling is the blend of personal anecdotes and institutional memory. Mukherjee recalls cabinet meetings, discussions, political tensions, and even his own growth as a young parliamentarian. But he always situates them within the broader currents of Indian democracy trying to find its way amidst poverty, Cold War pressures, and internal instability. The prose is dignified, the judgements are measured, and the storytelling is deeply rooted in both experience and responsibility.
Reading it during Covid in 2021 must have been a reminder of how nations navigate crises. Just as the pandemic tested leadership and resilience in our times, the 1970s tested the strength of Indian democracy and the adaptability of its leaders. Mukherjee’s account shows how choices, sometimes flawed, sometimes farsighted, left imprints that last even today.
It isn’t a fast-paced book, but it doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in the gravitas with which it examines a decade that transformed India’s political culture, centralised power in unprecedented ways, and raised questions about the balance between democracy and authority. For readers interested in understanding not just Indira Gandhi but also the system around her, this is an indispensable work.
It reads less like gossip or drama and more like a carefully considered testament, and in that sense, it stands apart. You may not find fiery judgements here, but you’ll find the steady hand of memory, putting things in perspective. It is a political memoir, but also a mirror to a decade where India truly came of age in some ways and stumbled in others. And it leaves you with the sense that history is rarely black or white—it is lived in shades of grey.
The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years by Pranab Mukherjee is as much a memoir as it is a political history, written with the steady, measured tone that you’d expect from a statesman who was not just a witness but also a participant in the events that shaped India in the 1970s.
Reading it feels like sitting down with an elder who has lived through turbulence and now looks back with a mixture of honesty, caution, and restraint.
The 1970s were anything but ordinary for India—wars, political upheavals, economic challenges, and above all, the towering presence of Indira Gandhi. Mukherjee takes us through this period not with the drama of a sensationalist but with the calm analysis of someone who was there in the inner circles, seeing both the brilliance and the blunders.
What makes the book fascinating is how he neither lapses into hagiography nor harsh criticism. Instead, he shows Indira Gandhi as complex—resolute yet vulnerable, decisive yet sometimes trapped by the very machinery she sought to control.
The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and India’s role in it occupy a central place in this narrative, and rightly so, because it defined not only India’s foreign policy but also Indira Gandhi’s stature as a leader of global consequence.
Mukherjee explains the careful strategy, the diplomatic manoeuvring, and the eventual triumph that gave India both confidence and recognition on the world stage. At the same time, he does not shy away from acknowledging the economic and political costs that followed, and the strains that came with that glory.
The other unavoidable theme is, of course, the Emergency. Mukherjee’s treatment of it is nuanced—he neither justifies nor completely condemns. He tries instead to explain the compulsions, the environment of fear, and the breakdown of political communication that led to that extraordinary suspension of democracy. His words reveal both proximity and distance: proximity, because he was part of the Congress system then; distance, because he writes with the hindsight of history. The Emergency remains one of the most debated chapters in Indian politics, and his reflections add valuable layers to our understanding of it.
What makes the book compelling is the blend of personal anecdotes and institutional memory. Mukherjee recalls cabinet meetings, discussions, political tensions, and even his own growth as a young parliamentarian. But he always situates them within the broader currents of Indian democracy trying to find its way amidst poverty, Cold War pressures, and internal instability. The prose is dignified, the judgements are measured, and the storytelling is deeply rooted in both experience and responsibility.
Reading it during Covid in 2021 must have been a reminder of how nations navigate crises. Just as the pandemic tested leadership and resilience in our times, the 1970s tested the strength of Indian democracy and the adaptability of its leaders. Mukherjee’s account shows how choices, sometimes flawed, sometimes farsighted, left imprints that last even today.
It isn’t a fast-paced book, but it doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in the gravitas with which it examines a decade that transformed India’s political culture, centralised power in unprecedented ways, and raised questions about the balance between democracy and authority. For readers interested in understanding not just Indira Gandhi but also the system around her, this is an indispensable work.
It reads less like gossip or drama and more like a carefully considered testament, and in that sense, it stands apart. You may not find fiery judgements here, but you’ll find the steady hand of memory, putting things in perspective. It is a political memoir, but also a mirror to a decade where India truly came of age in some ways and stumbled in others. And it leaves you with the sense that history is rarely black or white—it is lived in shades of grey.
May 11, 2023
The title of the book suggested much more than the book actually produced. The book is a bland collection of events, with names that are easily forgotten and dates which nobody wants to remember. Story telling suffers because of these things, as the reader probably doesn't want to read names of n people that attended a particular meeting without any associated contribution. There is no insight or political commentary that accompanies these events. Pranab Da used his personal diary to recollect and write these books, but he has omitted the 'personal' part, likely because he didn't want to get into any controversies.
His loyalty towards Indira Gandhi is a continuous scent throughout the book, along with taunts at the press of the time for being not so loyal towards Indira. However, no efforts have been made by the author to justify the loyalty despite all the criticism towards the authoritarian instincts of Indira. One instance in this direction, perhaps, is his father teaching the author some bits about loyalty, but that is nowhere accompanied by any rational thought the situation demands. Ironically, he has explicitly mentioned about expecting 'rational' view from opposition leaders on a certain occasion.
Bias is present as expected from a political figure, this is evident in any mention of emergency period, which only tangentially mention any kind of excesses but always lambast Shah commission. Pranab Da mentions Indira Gandhi being acquitted in one of the cases as 'honourable', and forgets somehow how the involved judge(Justice Ripusudan Dayal) was later honoured by Indira as he became an HC judge at an age of just 43.
The book does give a picture of what all was happening during that decade; rise and fall and rise of Congress under Indira Gandhi, birth of Bangladesh, birth of coalition politics among others. The author also acknowledges debating skills and political genius of some opposition faces. Overall, the book has its highs and lows, but overall it might not satisfy a reader hungry for a savoury political serving.
His loyalty towards Indira Gandhi is a continuous scent throughout the book, along with taunts at the press of the time for being not so loyal towards Indira. However, no efforts have been made by the author to justify the loyalty despite all the criticism towards the authoritarian instincts of Indira. One instance in this direction, perhaps, is his father teaching the author some bits about loyalty, but that is nowhere accompanied by any rational thought the situation demands. Ironically, he has explicitly mentioned about expecting 'rational' view from opposition leaders on a certain occasion.
Bias is present as expected from a political figure, this is evident in any mention of emergency period, which only tangentially mention any kind of excesses but always lambast Shah commission. Pranab Da mentions Indira Gandhi being acquitted in one of the cases as 'honourable', and forgets somehow how the involved judge(Justice Ripusudan Dayal) was later honoured by Indira as he became an HC judge at an age of just 43.
The book does give a picture of what all was happening during that decade; rise and fall and rise of Congress under Indira Gandhi, birth of Bangladesh, birth of coalition politics among others. The author also acknowledges debating skills and political genius of some opposition faces. Overall, the book has its highs and lows, but overall it might not satisfy a reader hungry for a savoury political serving.
December 15, 2021
Pranab da is regarded as the best PM India never had, The book is a documentation of the struggles of Indira through the years 1975-1980 with a complete glossing over of the atrocities perpetrated by Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.
The book though offers great insights on the state of the economy and how Congress literally beggared the country. A few quotes would help you understand:
1. In 1974-75, the number of professionals and self-employed persons brought under the tax net touched 1,33,642. Of these, 1,08,012 were new assessees belonging to the professional classes.
2. Instructions were given to HMT to increase the production of watches. Congress decided how many Indians get to wear watches. Means of production was controlled through state run enterprises and license-quota policies.
3. Journalists who wrote stories critical of Indira Gandhi were chased and beaten. (The same Congress now calls media that does not support its views Godi Media). Pranab da mentions a story about this.
As far as I can see there is fundamentally no difference in the behaviour of ruling parties across time periods. When Congress today cries that there is intolerance or that media is sold out it was the same when Congress was in power. Pranab da proudly explains how Congress manipulated Rajya Sabha numbers by defections to ratify the dismissal of 9 state Governments ruled by opposition parties. The book only reinforces the fact that politics was and is driven by opportunism.
The book though offers great insights on the state of the economy and how Congress literally beggared the country. A few quotes would help you understand:
1. In 1974-75, the number of professionals and self-employed persons brought under the tax net touched 1,33,642. Of these, 1,08,012 were new assessees belonging to the professional classes.
2. Instructions were given to HMT to increase the production of watches. Congress decided how many Indians get to wear watches. Means of production was controlled through state run enterprises and license-quota policies.
3. Journalists who wrote stories critical of Indira Gandhi were chased and beaten. (The same Congress now calls media that does not support its views Godi Media). Pranab da mentions a story about this.
As far as I can see there is fundamentally no difference in the behaviour of ruling parties across time periods. When Congress today cries that there is intolerance or that media is sold out it was the same when Congress was in power. Pranab da proudly explains how Congress manipulated Rajya Sabha numbers by defections to ratify the dismissal of 9 state Governments ruled by opposition parties. The book only reinforces the fact that politics was and is driven by opportunism.
October 31, 2024
The book describes the perspective of the writer a minister in the central government during one of the most important decades in history of India from war against Pakistan in liberation of Bangladesh as a country and the announcement of emergency aftermath of it. it describes the diverging paths of judiciary and legislative government in terms of decisions made and how different political scenarios emerged across the country due to emergency.
The author explains the fall of then PM Indira Gandhiji after the end of emergency and her rise to the post of prime minister again just after three years and the consequences around it. Pranab explains things in details being the close aide to former PM and inside person of party has given some details about the events at its consequences. A good read to know about those times.
The author explains the fall of then PM Indira Gandhiji after the end of emergency and her rise to the post of prime minister again just after three years and the consequences around it. Pranab explains things in details being the close aide to former PM and inside person of party has given some details about the events at its consequences. A good read to know about those times.
June 12, 2020
As many reviews have mentioned, it fails the title. Most of the content could have been just written from news articles from that period. There are very few insider stories, and a lot of unnecessary names.
Also the narrative is completely biased. It is all about defending Mrs. Indira Gandhi and finding faults in the opposition, the Congressmen who didn't support Indira Gandhi and the media from that period.
From the narrative it feels like Mr. Mukherjee considers Mrs. Gandhi a perfect being with no flaws. The narrative was somewhat on the lines of Mr. Gandhi vs. the world.
Also the narrative is completely biased. It is all about defending Mrs. Indira Gandhi and finding faults in the opposition, the Congressmen who didn't support Indira Gandhi and the media from that period.
From the narrative it feels like Mr. Mukherjee considers Mrs. Gandhi a perfect being with no flaws. The narrative was somewhat on the lines of Mr. Gandhi vs. the world.
June 17, 2020
The parts where Indira Gandhi's political wins were written were so well articulated and a comfort to read. However, others took the tone of a rant. So it was a 3.5 - that is until I came to the end where I was expecting reading about the assassination that too from a person who was so close to her; did not get that .
September 10, 2020
It was more a book about the early political life of Late Pranab Mukherjee, what shaped his ideologies, his unwavering loyalty towards Indira Gandhi. Although it covered some of the happenings that counted as dramatic. But left a lot wanting.
Overall, I liked it because it gave me a glimpse into the life of one of the most honourable ministers we've had !
Overall, I liked it because it gave me a glimpse into the life of one of the most honourable ministers we've had !
September 21, 2020
What made me buy the book - it was on offer, and i picked it to read it because he recently passed away
What I liked about the book - penmanship, and a loyalist's take on the way things were
Who will I recommend the book to - someone interested in politics
What did the book teach me - two sides of a coin, everything has two or multiple shades
#OBAAT One Book At A Time
What I liked about the book - penmanship, and a loyalist's take on the way things were
Who will I recommend the book to - someone interested in politics
What did the book teach me - two sides of a coin, everything has two or multiple shades
#OBAAT One Book At A Time
July 12, 2024
A good book for those who like political non fiction especially of the period 1960s to 1980s. Legendary stalwarts like Jay Prakash Narayan, Advani, ABV, Jagjivan Ram, George Fernandes, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, HM Bahuguna, KR Malkani, Chandrasekhar, Somnath Chatterjee and of course Indira Gandhi are mentioned.
Enjoy your nostalgic journey of Indian politics.
Enjoy your nostalgic journey of Indian politics.
December 22, 2016
Book gives a Congressmen's (highly one sided ) opinion by the author, who served with the longest reigning and the most powerful family in Indian politics. Indira is so much at the center of the book that sometimes it feels like a "Indira and India" for all the dramatism of the years 1970-80.
March 5, 2018
A wonderful chronology of Indian politics which gives a good picture of about 5 decades. The reader will have a clear outlook of the formative India and can judge the present post 2014 governments' loafty claims.
April 8, 2018
A well versed manuscript of a certain period in Indian politics. Full of political information but it seems more or less one sided story. The way of writing isn't that much attractive to make you turn the page.
March 8, 2022
The book takes you on a journey of years that shaped India as a country. The inner intricate working of the government, elections, etc. Also sheds light on the shady patches that the country shed past through. A book for the politic geeks to enjoy.
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