Scars of 1947: Real Partition Stories

by Rajeev Shukla

After more than seven decades, the burden of grief for those displaced and affected by the Partition of India in 1947 still bears heavy. The two pieces of land were carved by a mere stroke of ink on the surface of a map, but the resultant wounds ran way deeper, from one generation to the next.
This is the story of India's independence and it cost the nation more than land, resources and lives. People on both sides of the dreaded Radcliffe line that divided India and Pakistan experienced a similar trauma. The riots, bloodbath, fear, cries for help, burning houses and the devastating displacement of millions is forever etched in memories of those who survived this nightmare. Yet, there are also some uplifting instances of the triumph, grit and determination, inspiring tales of love, kindness and the perseverance of the human spirit.
Rajeev Shukla has gathered many such stories of Partition over the years-stories from people who went on to become prominent figures like prime ministers, presidents, industrialists, medical researchers, et al, in both India and Pakistan. From Manmohan Singh to Gauri Khan's maternal grandmother Champa Tiwari, from Taimur Bande, Syyed Imtiaz Humayun to Avtar Narain Gujral, the narratives in Scars of 1947 take you on a journey back to a point in time that left two nations scarred forever.

Genres: India

192 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2022

Reviews

[Piyush Gupta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not exactly a literary material. It lack research and almost everything. Shukla ji tried capturing the experiences of renowned individuals (mostly his connections) of the infamous Indo-Pak partition but failed miserably.
He did a good job at throwing names and boasting his connections, but that doesn’t make it an interesting read.

[Parvesh Bansal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I am writing review about scars of 1947 by Rajeev Shukla. As we all know India got independence on August 15th, 1947, but this independence has left a scar with itself, on people from both sides. The country, when got independence was already divided into two lands. And a large population had been displaced from here & there, and that is main content of book. Rajeev Shukla is not a writer only he was former journalist; he is an Indian politician, and he is also connected to BCCI as he was chairman of IPL. Importance of this book can be understood by that this book has been reviewed by some of greatest personalities “Sourav Ganguly, Shashi Tharoor, Priyanka Gandhi, Sunil Shetty, Sanjay Dutt” before that the more important thing is facts, feeling and stories hidden in this book. Before you jump to any conclusions this book is not a history book just, but it is compilations of stories of different people affected from the partition and how they experienced the divide of India into two different countries. The book talk abouts lot of people. There is one common thing in this book and that is everyone suffered during partition up to some extent. Some people managed to grow out of that, but some people unfortunately didn’t. this book tells what Pakistan is and how it was created. In one of these stories there is something which tells that During the devastation partition, those whom we considered as outsiders turned out to be our own and those who were our own also fell prey to the greed of money. During read, one question will arise many times that why this separation happened. It also mentions those people who played their role and contributed in the partition of the country. This is a story of compassion. This is the story of separation of individuals due to politics or ambition. This is story of bloodshed, but there is life after those doors also.

And love is the basic element which can save you. This message has been given with this book.

[Priyadarshini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars of 1947, was one of the best books, and one of the first I read, and I absolutely loved it. I was born around 60 years after the India-Pakistan partition, and not even my grandparents had witnessed the partition, and the people I knew that were existent during that time, don’t remember it that well. Rajeev Shukla tells us how the Indian and Pakistani government officials and people were never who they have been portrayed to be, by the media. The book tells us about both sides of the story, which I absolutely adored. Once in a while, it’s really refreshing to read about such a tragic tale from a different aspect, and point of view.
During the creation of India and Pakistan, it has been estimated that 14 million people were forced to leave their homes, the places where they have been living for generations. That is like the entirety of Kolkata (my home) suddenly having riots, murders, and what not. It’s terrifying to even think that the street I come to school through, having hundreds of dead bodies and gallons of blood just lying on the sidewalks. That was the situation back then. Reading about all these people, some dying, some living through pain their entire lives, some making it through, some being ventured away from their homes, the places they loved, and never seeing them again, like all these thoughts just make me sick. It made me realise that our independence wasn’t given to us as a gift. Not only Indians and Pakistanis, but other people should also read it, to know how some of the most populated regions of the world made their way back, up on the charts, and not only the country, most importantly how the people made it through. That’s all I have to say. Thank you :)

[Venus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books is written in such a manner that it is so easy to read but somehow it feels like the author focused on the stories of his influential people. The book is definitely informative but i guess it took a biased tone. It is mentioned in the blurb that he is focusing on the people who passed through the hell of a partition and yet found a foot and established a livelihood. But as we read through the lines we feel some weirdness like the author is trying so hard to prove some unnecessary points. What's lost is lost and what people had to face is horrible even if they are able to build a successful life after but the way it was written at time, like 3-4 times, felt superficial.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“1947 Ke Zakhma” by Rajeev Shukla is a poignant and evocative collection of stories that delve into the scars left by the tragic events of India’s partition. Through firsthand accounts and interviews, Shukla weaves together narratives of pain, loss, and longing. The emotional wounds borne by survivors—whether they crossed borders or stayed behind—are vividly portrayed. Amidst the brutality, rays of hope emerge as individuals risk their lives to save others. The book serves as a powerful reminder of how politics can overshadow human values, leaving lasting imprints on generations. Shukla’s writing resonates with authenticity, making “1947 Ke Zakhma” a compelling and heartfelt journey through an unforgettable era

[Mahrukh · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very slow read.. not captivating.