Unbreaking India: Decision on Article 370 and the CAA

by Sanjay Dixit

The nullification of Article 370 and enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, had been landmark legislative actions in 2019. Author Sanjay Dixit delves deep into the past and traces the events, actions and their repercussions that finally led to the Union of India introducing these two measures. He looks at these events from all perspectives-historical, social and political.

For Article 370, he traces the entire history of Kashmir from its pre-Islamic past and to the events that unfolded at the time of the Partition of India, leading to the initial inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India. Dixit also studies in detail the legal and constitutional labyrinths, discussing the various Presidential Orders and case laws from the Constitutional Bench jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

For CAA, Dixit traces the constitutional history of India from the time of the partition of Bengal in 1905 to the unfortunate events of the Partition in 1947. His study relies heavily on Dr B.R. Ambedkar's analysis of the reasons for the Partition and the theology of a 'separate nation' that prevailed during the period. The author contends that this same theology has been staging a comeback now in the form of mazhabi pehchan which forms the crux of the anti-CAA protests.

The informed position of the author, his lucidity of language and directness of approach lend clarity to his arguments and makes this an accessible and important read.

Genres: History, Politics, India, Nonfiction, Indian Literature

Paperback

First published November 6, 2020

Reviews

[नीलाभ · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the very outset, even at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I cannot help but to declare that this is an extraordinary peice of work by Shri Sanjay ji which will surely be read and re-read by the generations to come.

Against the backdrop of nullification of Art. 370 enactment of the CAA, the book connects events around the time of Partition to the current scenario of our nation, and puts everything into perspective, just like blocks in a puzzle.
It also deals with history of JK (the exiles, the accession, Sheikh the Maharaja, and much more).
The appendices contain various legal documents as a ready reference.

One must read this book to understand the Islamic doctrine(s), how it affects and controls the mindset of the masses through practices such as 'taqlid', and through which innumerable wounds have incessantly been inflicted onto the rāṣṭra of Bhāratvarṣa. How the same doctrine, seemingly packaged in a new container, is ready to do it all over again; that is, unless we wake up, read the proverbial 'writing on the wall' and call the bluff.

My praṇāms to Sanjay ji for his vision to see, interconnect and produce this eye-opening document.

[Bimit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanjay Dixit Ji's "UnbreakingIndia: Decisions On Article 370 & The CAA" is an urgent, piercing analysis of the Islamic Hegemony that lays bare its continued racist legacy on the Indian subcontinent. Methodically braiding Politics and History to quash the false narratives surrounding CAA, this fierce takedown hits home. Historically meticulous and profoundly researched, The author writes with clarity about the tactics of the Indian Mullah-Maulana Syndicate, during the time of partition and at present.

Starting with Partition of Bengal 1905 to Bengal Direct Action Day 1946, Khilafat Movement and Malabar Killings, the Pakistan Resolution, Islamisation of Kashmir, Nullification of Article 370, History of Sufism, this is a comprehensive guide for anybody who is interested in the RIGHT, REAL and RECENT history of India. There is a lot of information to take away and the references offer further reading opportunities.

I believe that this book is especially significant exactly when the world's largest democracy is evolving more exceptionally than we would have ever envisioned in such a brief time.

The author is completely vocal and straightforward about his sources. The book draws heavily from BR Ambedkar's Pakistan or Partition of India pokes numerous essential chunks of evidence and data from the pages of the past and presents them in a friendly format which will prove useful for history enthusiasts who are not a part of any scholarly circle.

At its core, the book is an outstanding achievement of an immeasurable value. Well Written and Well Researched, Sanjay Dixit Ji's work exhibits the perversion of human nature and their lust for a perverse ideology.

[Devesh Pant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book with references

This book will serve as a reference to many and will become a milestone for most commentaries in times to come. Sanjay Dixit has covered so many aspects by laying out the background and providing all the references. A scholarly work that is a must read and prescribed to all interested in India and south asia.

[Mayur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book which covers the historical blunders committed by the leaders who were looked upon for revival of India after independence.

Has short and precise chapter, enough to light a spark of curiosity to read more about the history of Indian independence.

[Lasic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever written on Indian law and order. This book deals with interdisciplinary subject and topics too. Enjoy and learn while reading this book.

[Abhishek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opener for me. Never really knew what went through during the time they were conspiring for partition of India. A great historical account with many references. I knew Sanjay Dixit because I follow his illuminated conversations on his YouTube channel Jaipur Dialogues. When I got to know that he was writing a book on Kashmir, I was immediately curious. His knowledge of the matter is exemplary and his research is immaculate.
What did it for me:
1) Partition of Bengal as the seed for problems in Kashmir.
2) Folly of Jogendera Nath Mandal joining Pakistan.
3) His heart felt resignation. (in appendix)
4) Concept of Dar-ul-islam/ Dar-ul-Harab.
5) What actually Sufi is?
6)References of books like "70 years of secularism" and Ambedkar's work especially "Pakistan or Partition of India". Definitely going to explore more.
7) Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession and Mountbatten accepted it, still Kashmir fell. Beyond me.
I wish this book never ended. Great effort just like your talks. 5/5

[Utkarsh Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author prepares a compelling case of drawing parallels between the Muslim League politics which led to the partition of India and the susbsequent politics surrounding such issues in independent India like the 370 repeal or CAA protests. He also outlines the Kashmir politics from around India's independence. The book is surprisingly easy to read and the author has done a god job of providing references for his work. It is an informative read overall.

[Nishu Thakur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to find politics before and after partition. Puts end to CAA, article 370 debate. A must read book. It also has legal documents so indeed great for people aspiring to work in that sector.

[Utkarsh Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched.

[vishal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

A Very good read, nothing of this kind and viewpoint has been written before, it was just a casual choice to read it but was really amazed with details

[Sagar Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book enriched with historical and legal context and references which talks about the two laws that have dominated the political space in India for the past 2 years. The author talks about the history of Partition of India, the Two Nation Theory, the idea of Pakistan and the islamic narrative in the country at that time and ties all of that back to the CAA. He defends the law using historical and statistical references speaking to the state of "non-Muslims" in a "Muslim country". There is however a lack of data and literary references to the recent 5-10 years which would have made the argument even more convincing but overall the author does a good job.
The author then talks in depth about the idea of Kashmir, the role of Sheikh Abdullah and the history of how Article 370 came into being. It also provides more than enough legal facts, precedents and context and explains the entire process through which it was abolished and how it stood up to the scrutiny of the Supreme Court.
A wonderful read for someone curious about these laws, their history and more than that the history of India.

[Parul Bhatnagar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read

A compelling read to understand how the islamo-left works. Backed with facts , figures ,stats and sources this qualifies to be called the best introduction of contemporary politics .

[Ajay Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched book by Sanjay Dixit with large amounts of references. A must read for history enthusiasts. The style of writing is small readable chapters to keep you involved.

[Aditya V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[SUBRATA DATTA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has a high school text book feel about it.

But wait. Before you get me wrong let me clarify that that is one of the book’s strengths. Sanjay-ji has set himself a modest target: “The book is meant to be more in the nature of a generalist’s impression of the quickly unfolding events, rather than a scholarly account. … I have addressed the book to the general public, with the object of spreading the light of basic education, rather than to the demands of high academia.” And for an attention-deficient, social media-addicted generation that has grown up on a particular interpretation of history this “basic education” is long overdue.

From the first partition of Bengal in 1905 to Saheenbagh via Partition of the country and the handling of the Kashmir issue, Sanjay-ji has traversed the whole distance. In the process he has paid special attention to Islam’s attitude to India as shaped by its scriptural prescriptions.

Let the book speak for itself.

“Indian secular leadership has been handicapped by a complete lack of knowledge about Islam, its history, its theology and its aspirations. Right from the blunder made by Mahatma Gandhi in joining the Khilafat movement, this has been in evidence. This is also the reason that the Muslim leadership, whether moderate or fundamentalist, is very comfortable with Hindu seculars, as they know that they can be easily made fool of, sent on a guilt trip and influenced with a fake show of victimhood. The charade has played on and on and on, and is still going on, among the great seculars of India.” (pp. 176 – 177)

“As has been asserted by several strategic experts, even if India were to hand over J&K to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture, it would not abate Pakistani hostility towards India, because Pakistani antipathy towards India is neither territorial nor economic. It is pure and simple Islamic ideology of global conquest. In other words, it is Ghazwa-e-Hind – the mythological dream of conquering India as a part of conquering the world – so that the roz-e-qayamat or the Armageddon leading to the ‘Day of Last Judgment’ could be reached.” (p. 188)

“The fatal practice of Nehruism, which was a cocktail of Hindu hatred, Islamic exaltation, English imitation, Communist infatuation and Socialist evisceration, took away the vitality of the new politically independent India. India never attained mental and cultural independence. The same forces had sapped Indian vitality to such an extent that they swallowed the cowardice preached as ahimsa by the Mahatma, and never once thought of rising at least to ring-fence the new Republic from the pernicious forces of Islamism, Cultural Marxism and Evangelism.” (p. 250)

“Jinnah articulated it [the idea of Pakistan] in the term ‘you will have either a divided India or a destroyed India.’ Congress leadership had no clear vision except getting the British out. They were not prepared to stake their all for a strong India. The result was, therefore, a foregone conclusion. We finally got an India that was both divided and destroyed. The destruction did not remain limited to the immediate aftermath of the Partition but has stretched right into today with a hazy idea of nationhood that kept wallowing in self-loathing and appeasement of the same intransigent forces that had caused the partition.” (p. 216)

This is the kind of clarity that India – the young India specially – needs today.

Ten Appendices at the end of the book running into 130 pages have added to the value of the book manifold.

Unbreaking India is a highly recommended read.

[Shaurya Shrivastav · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books I've ever read. Every Indian, and more importantly, every Hindu, must read it.

[Siddarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

It is must read book for all those who are interested in knowing more about article 370 abolition and CAA.

[Balaji Padmanabhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into the theology of Indian islamic sects trying to break I dia

The historic depth in u derstanding islamic sects; their birth and survival is important lesson to understand muslim behavioural petterns, especially with relevan e to I dian polity

[Vikas Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not only a book which gives you facts about recent past of India but also very thoughtfully written in short chapters. This helps the reader to maintain focus and leaves him hungry for more. Excellent book by Sanjay Dixit, should be read by youth of India

[Prashant Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an eye opening account covered in this book with context explaining what happened in the history and why.
Well done and kudos to Mr. Dixit for this bold story telling.

[Rahul Kaushik · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST SELLER ALREADY

[Shailesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all debates going around with article 370 & CAA, this book provides in detail the history of the state.
Without knowing this historical context all the discussion is meaningless.

The book briefly covers the 1-4 exodus of Hindus from the Kashmir valley.
The details of the 5th & 6th exodus is covered in good details. To be honest sometimes the details just overwhelmed me.

The inability to understand the Islamic mindset has been one of the biggest failures in Bharat. Reading this book gives the reader a very clear view of the Islamic mindset.

If the movie Kashmir Files is a trailer then this book is the multiple season web series.

[Ishan Agrawal]

Modi ji has undoubtedly been remarkable in bringing vigilant changes which were never paid any heed in all the previous governments be it of any political party since independence. The most impressive of them were nullification of article 370 and enactment of CAA which altered the way India is seen at a global level. Though as one would expect, it attracted lots of opposition from the anti-national brigade for God knows what reasons. This book is a serious logical lawful attempt to bring in to light the essence of these amendments and the long history behind the proliferation of Islamic extremism.

Most of the work on this subject goes deep into the research angle behind the need to actually bring some serious shift in the way execution of laws take place. But here the author has done extremely well in not only complementing his statements with crude facts but also with some common sense of reasoning which the terrorists disguised as innocent people don't seem to possess.

The reasons which led to the formation of Kashmir and why it was given a special status is explained in detail. Also why is it so important to rob it of that status is also neatly presented. Author has given an insight into why the fringe elements never wanted to get it scrapped.

Citizenship Amendment Act which in my opinion for obvious reasons should have been in place since 1947 is also in limelight here tracing back its history going in the vault. Why there was so much hue and cry created on its introduction and how it suits the narrative and whims and fancies of a particular sect is also quite understandable after reading this exemplary piece of work.

The cover is one of the most creative ones I have ever seen showing our country's map where how Islamic forces in the past wanted some parts of India to be are marked in different colours.

All in all, an outstanding book by an author which is rightly kept in high regards.

[Rahul Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!!!

[Brijesh Chandrakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Master Class In The History Of Muslim Politics & A Debate Ending Book On Art 370, CAA.
My detailed thoughts on this book: https://brijeshchandrakar.wordpress.c...

[Reyan Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great job guru ji

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would definitely be considered as a high watermark of Indian nationalist scholarship trying to break the pseudo-secular mould. It’s unabashedly pro-right, and yet it is one of the most rigorously factual books that I have had the privilege of reading. Expectedly it paints the politicians of the valley and their so-called liberal counterparts in Delhi and the Academia in an extremely unflattering light. But the clearest analysis is reserved for the legal genius that had unfolded in the Indian Parliament in 2019.
Of course, any such clear book brings lots of "what if..." questions to the mind of the reader. But no point in crying over such stuff.
My only objection towards this book would be aimed at its attempts towards demonising the Muslim mindset by ascribing too much importance to their so-called herd mentality. Lack of education and economic opportunities are bound to have such effects, as the Americans often prove by electing Republicans as Presidents.
But I fully endorse the author's standpoint in one area. Let's move ahead and forge a strong nation with a hard state that doesn’t compromise with terrorists and doesn’t stop itself from acting in the right manner in the name of righteousness.
Jai Hind.

[Harikrishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched book by Sanjay Dixit on how the Forces with External Forces using the sentiments of people religiously and other things to break India into pieces and to get it Muslim rule.

[Souvik Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up Unbreaking India, I braced myself for yet another politically charged tome—but what I discovered was a masterful synthesis of constitutional law, historical narrative, and theological insight. From the very first pages, Sanjay Dixit’s clarity of thought and unapologetic depth of research had me hooked. I can say, without reservation, that this book surpassed every expectation I had of a commentary on Article 370 and the CAA.

Tracing the Roots: Kashmir and Article 370
I was particularly impressed by how Dixit weaves Kashmir’s pre-partition legacy into the story of Article 370’s inception. Rather than presenting a dry chronology, he draws vivid connections between Maharaja Hari Singh’s dilemmas in 1947 and the constitutional expedients that followed. Reading these chapters felt like walking alongside the framers of our Constitution, feeling their urgency and their hope. By the time he dissects each Presidential Order and Supreme Court judgment, I felt I truly understood the legal muscle behind the revocation in 2019—an understanding I never had before.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act: More Than Headlines
The section on the CAA was equally compelling. Dixit doesn’t stop at political skirmishes; he plunges us into the Partition of Bengal and the philosophical debates held in Ambedkar’s chambers. I found myself nodding through his explanation of “mazhabi pehchān” and how it illuminates the Act’s grassroots impact. His narrative is so richly detailed that I could almost hear the voices of the early legislators, wrestling with questions of justice and belonging.

Theology Meets Politics: The “Aql” Versus “Taqlid” Framework
What truly set this book apart for me was its courageous exploration of Muslim theological mindsets. Dixit doesn’t shy away from calling out the taboo against independent reasoning—“aql”—in favor of blind adherence—“taqlid”—and he carefully shows how this mindset fueled the fiercest opposition to both Article 370’s abrogation and the CAA. This was a bold move, and one that many authors would avoid for fear of controversy. Yet Dixit handles it with academic rigor and compassion, challenging me to reconsider long-held assumptions.

The Author’s Authority: From IAS to Scholarly Sage
Knowing that Sanjay Dixit is a retired IAS officer with advanced degrees in economics, software systems, and law gave me confidence in his administrative and analytical chops. Throughout the book, his insider’s perspective enriches each argument without ever feeling self-serving. I felt as though I had a personal guide through India’s legal archives, someone who genuinely wants readers to grasp the full picture rather than push an agenda.

Style and Readability: Engaging Without Compromise
Despite its dense subject matter, Unbreaking India reads with remarkable ease. Dixit’s prose is lean and pointed—there’s no fluff, no desperation for sensationalism. Complex legal extracts are broken down in clear, punchy language. I found myself marking passages and returning to them later, not out of confusion but out of sheer admiration for the elegance of his explanations.

Why This Book Matters: A Call to Informed Citizenship
By the final chapters, I was convinced that Unbreaking India is more than just a historical or legal account—it’s a handbook for any citizen who cares about the trajectory of our republic. Dixit doesn’t shy away from making normative points about civic duty, but he never lectures. Instead, he trusts that well-informed readers will decide for themselves, and that trust alone made me respect the book even more.

Conclusion: A Must‑Read Powerhouse
Brutally honest? Absolutely—I can’t imagine a more comprehensive, lucid, and courageous examination of these tumultuous decisions in recent Indian history. Unbreaking India shattered my previous notions and left me eager to engage in deeper conversations about our nation’s future. If you want to understand how we arrived at this pivotal moment—and where we might go next—do yourself a favor: read this book. You won’t regret it.

[Ritu Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent book describing Kashmir and quest to Islamize it.

A must read book for all who think Kashmir or rather Pakistan is just a piece of land.
It beautifully trace the history of Kashmir from Shaivism to Sikandar Butshikan to Sheik Abdullah to article 370 to it's fully integration with Bharat.
it also give an account of 7 exodus of Kasmiri Pundit and show how all Islamic lineage work in tandem to Islamize a land.
Best part of the book is it clealy expose the modus operandi of Islamists and communists working together to first create Pakistan and then come back to take over Delhi like medina and mecca.
It give in detail with what mentality Islamist work and what will it lead to if we have a secular leader like Nehru who live in naivety or what it lead to when we have decisive leadership who fight back with same tactics and prevent Direct Action Day 2.0.
If we learn from Kashmir experience Bharat will be saved, If not same will be repeated in Kerala, Bengal, Assam and other part of country.
it's high time that in quest for Bharat Civilisational glory we start thinking and working for it with keeping in mind how these Islamist communist nexus work and not getting in trap of any mirage of peaceful co-existence and "Sharv Dharm Shambhav" as other side is working day and night to totally annihilate us and our culture.
This book is especially for whose who thnik the events occuring arround us are a separate contemporary event. This book clearly shows its a battle going on for last 1000s yr when first islamist Qasim set foot on Bharat bhoomi.