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December In Dacca: The Indian Armed Forces and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
The 1971 war between India and Pakistan, to help liberate the beleaguered people of Bangladesh, is considered one of the last ‘just wars’ of the twentieth century. Good triumphed decisively, unequivocally and indisputably. Yet, given the scale of atrocity that was halted in its tracks, it is shocking that the compelling circumstances as well as numerous poignant and heart-warming stories of the war have failed to become iconic representations of military intervention and success in the folklore and popular culture of India, Bangladesh and beyond.
December in Dacca seeks to right this wrong. From the dramatic dogfight over Boyra to the cornering of Pakistani naval vessels at Karachi to the Indian helicopter-riding infantry and paratroopers forcing the enemy to retreat, the book retells the many thrilling anecdotes, setting them within their diplomatic, strategic and tactical contexts.
It also provides a glimpse into the lives of some of these heroes once the dust had settled. Most importantly, it offers thoughts on why the events of 1971 are not better known, and how a better understanding of those could help India reaffirm her sense of self.
December in Dacca seeks to right this wrong. From the dramatic dogfight over Boyra to the cornering of Pakistani naval vessels at Karachi to the Indian helicopter-riding infantry and paratroopers forcing the enemy to retreat, the book retells the many thrilling anecdotes, setting them within their diplomatic, strategic and tactical contexts.
It also provides a glimpse into the lives of some of these heroes once the dust had settled. Most importantly, it offers thoughts on why the events of 1971 are not better known, and how a better understanding of those could help India reaffirm her sense of self.
- GenresBangladesh
264 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 8, 2022
I have been savoring this book for the past few days, slowly reading a few pages every day and letting the content sink in. For those who are not familiar with the Bangladesh liberation war and India's role in the same, this book contains a very detailed account of incidents related to the 1971 war.
The author, who himself is an army brat, has grown up around several Indian fighters who contributed during the 1971 war for Bangladesh. He was a schoolboy when the war happened and has his recollections of the events which were happening around him. The author claims that this book is one of the most authentic historical accounts of the Bangladesh liberation war, and I am inclined towards trusting him.
Setting context with India's real intent behind supporting Bangladesh (East Pakistan at that time) during their liberation war and the detailed planning it did before getting into the war, the author makes a very powerful start for a story that has not gotten the due credit it deserved.
When India herself was struggling economically, she did not need to get into war with Pakistan in 1971. However, if more than 10million refugees pour into its land due to genocide happening in their own country, she is left with no option but to bring the issue into the world forum and fight for it.
What makes this war important and worth remembering is the intent and the brilliant demonstration of strategic planning and bravery by the Indian armed forces and its government. The author claims it's one of the most just wars of recent history. Comparing it with the second world war, the author has given justification for why he believes so.
Unlike the usual nonfiction books which generally tend to be boring, this book has an element of thriller, mainly because of the author's amazing narration style and the fast pace he has maintained throughout the book. I found the first half VERY engaging which contains some of the most famous incidents from the 1971 war. The interest dipped a bit in the second half but shored up again during the last few chapters. The structuring of chapters and the level of details provided adds to the intrigue.
Overall, the book is surely very interesting, informative, and worth reading. Recommended for readers who have an interest in history or geopolitics.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The author, who himself is an army brat, has grown up around several Indian fighters who contributed during the 1971 war for Bangladesh. He was a schoolboy when the war happened and has his recollections of the events which were happening around him. The author claims that this book is one of the most authentic historical accounts of the Bangladesh liberation war, and I am inclined towards trusting him.
Setting context with India's real intent behind supporting Bangladesh (East Pakistan at that time) during their liberation war and the detailed planning it did before getting into the war, the author makes a very powerful start for a story that has not gotten the due credit it deserved.
When India herself was struggling economically, she did not need to get into war with Pakistan in 1971. However, if more than 10million refugees pour into its land due to genocide happening in their own country, she is left with no option but to bring the issue into the world forum and fight for it.
What makes this war important and worth remembering is the intent and the brilliant demonstration of strategic planning and bravery by the Indian armed forces and its government. The author claims it's one of the most just wars of recent history. Comparing it with the second world war, the author has given justification for why he believes so.
Unlike the usual nonfiction books which generally tend to be boring, this book has an element of thriller, mainly because of the author's amazing narration style and the fast pace he has maintained throughout the book. I found the first half VERY engaging which contains some of the most famous incidents from the 1971 war. The interest dipped a bit in the second half but shored up again during the last few chapters. The structuring of chapters and the level of details provided adds to the intrigue.
Overall, the book is surely very interesting, informative, and worth reading. Recommended for readers who have an interest in history or geopolitics.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
June 9, 2022
3.9
I haven’t read many books on Bangladesh Liberation War and I am not even familiar with many, but this book for sure is one of the finest, factual, and informative book about the 1971 war. Despite this incident having the involvement of mainly 3 countries only, the author’s claim of it not being anything less than World War II seems quite right when I read the book.
Starting from the dispute between East and West Pakistan over language barriers, Hindu-Muslim fights, and the thought of being the ruler led to Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, now India is economically fragile and still a developing nation after the 1965 Indo-Pak war, is not ready to get involved between any kind of wars right now, but when more than 10 million refugees came to India, she has no choice but to get involved.
The barbaric killings of civilians, Hindu-Muslim riots, destruction of the vast area of land to avoid agriculture, and displacement of millions of people, this all is known to all world, especially big forums, that claim to intervene and protect people from wars and revolutions like this. But how then, did this huge war, which is so far isn’t considered huge happened.
This book is a real insight into old India, how she helped refugees when she was herself going through economic hardships, it also brings us face to face with the harsh reality of how the world works, and how there are always a few loyal people in any department. The author himself was a school child when all this was happening and he added his perspective after each chapter on all the incidents happening around him. Movies and shows, make us know our history but books let us live them for a while so that we can observe and analyze.
This book is interesting, it gave me new knowledge & perspective and dusted my old ones. Narration is indulging and I am not getting biased about any particular GOI, but it sure does feel like that old, sensitive, empathetic heart of India is been replaced by a new, practical, and acrimonious heart of India.
I haven’t read many books on Bangladesh Liberation War and I am not even familiar with many, but this book for sure is one of the finest, factual, and informative book about the 1971 war. Despite this incident having the involvement of mainly 3 countries only, the author’s claim of it not being anything less than World War II seems quite right when I read the book.
Starting from the dispute between East and West Pakistan over language barriers, Hindu-Muslim fights, and the thought of being the ruler led to Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, now India is economically fragile and still a developing nation after the 1965 Indo-Pak war, is not ready to get involved between any kind of wars right now, but when more than 10 million refugees came to India, she has no choice but to get involved.
The barbaric killings of civilians, Hindu-Muslim riots, destruction of the vast area of land to avoid agriculture, and displacement of millions of people, this all is known to all world, especially big forums, that claim to intervene and protect people from wars and revolutions like this. But how then, did this huge war, which is so far isn’t considered huge happened.
This book is a real insight into old India, how she helped refugees when she was herself going through economic hardships, it also brings us face to face with the harsh reality of how the world works, and how there are always a few loyal people in any department. The author himself was a school child when all this was happening and he added his perspective after each chapter on all the incidents happening around him. Movies and shows, make us know our history but books let us live them for a while so that we can observe and analyze.
This book is interesting, it gave me new knowledge & perspective and dusted my old ones. Narration is indulging and I am not getting biased about any particular GOI, but it sure does feel like that old, sensitive, empathetic heart of India is been replaced by a new, practical, and acrimonious heart of India.
December 15, 2023
I initially knew nothing about the Bangladesh Liberation War, unaware that it even happened . The opportunity to delve into the details of this conflict has been enlightening, and I’m still looking for a deeper understanding in future reads.
The strength of the book lies in its ability to make history accessible. It's a book that educates without feeling like a lecture. However, I went through the book bit by bit over a month time period.
The causes of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 were deeply rooted in a range of socio-political issues that created tensions between East and West Pakistan.
-Geographical Separation: East and West Pakistan were geographically separated, making effective governance challenging.
-Population Disparity: Despite the larger population in East Pakistan, political power and major institutions were dominated by West Pakistan, leading to a sense of political marginalization.
-Economic Disparities: The reallocation of financial power favored West Pakistan, leaving East Pakistan to poverty.
-Language Discrimination: The imposition of Urdu as the only official language marginalized the Bengali language, leading to a sense of cultural suppression.
-Cultural Differences: Cultural disparities and the perception of Bengalis as a lesser race intensified discontent, creating a divide between the two regions.
-Religious Discrimination: Bengalis were sometimes considered as lesser Muslims, with their form of Islam being deemed polluted by Hindu influences.
Tensions peaked in 1970 when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won in general elections. However, the transfer of power to the East faced resistance from authorities in West Pakistan, creating a political deadlock.
Violence erupted in March 1971 when the Pakistani military launched operations against Bengali nationalists and civilians in East Pakistan, resulting in widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and the displacement of millions. In response, East Pakistan declared independence on March 26, 1971.
The ensuing armed conflict involved the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) against the Pakistani military, prompting India to join in support of the Mukti Bahini. This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
India's involvement in the conflict was motivated by various factors, including the significant humanitarian crisis that took place . The war resulted in the displacement of around ten million refugees, placing a huge financial burden on India that would be probably hard to cope with over the years, leading to the decision of actively engaging in the conflict.
Whatever history perspective of telling the tale, the only undeniable fact is the tragic aspect of the War that many lives were lost, and countless women suffered unimaginable pain, particularly through acts of rape. The profound impact extended beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma, often leading to social stigmatization and dishonor for the survivors.
The strength of the book lies in its ability to make history accessible. It's a book that educates without feeling like a lecture. However, I went through the book bit by bit over a month time period.
The causes of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 were deeply rooted in a range of socio-political issues that created tensions between East and West Pakistan.
-Geographical Separation: East and West Pakistan were geographically separated, making effective governance challenging.
-Population Disparity: Despite the larger population in East Pakistan, political power and major institutions were dominated by West Pakistan, leading to a sense of political marginalization.
-Economic Disparities: The reallocation of financial power favored West Pakistan, leaving East Pakistan to poverty.
-Language Discrimination: The imposition of Urdu as the only official language marginalized the Bengali language, leading to a sense of cultural suppression.
-Cultural Differences: Cultural disparities and the perception of Bengalis as a lesser race intensified discontent, creating a divide between the two regions.
-Religious Discrimination: Bengalis were sometimes considered as lesser Muslims, with their form of Islam being deemed polluted by Hindu influences.
Tensions peaked in 1970 when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won in general elections. However, the transfer of power to the East faced resistance from authorities in West Pakistan, creating a political deadlock.
Violence erupted in March 1971 when the Pakistani military launched operations against Bengali nationalists and civilians in East Pakistan, resulting in widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and the displacement of millions. In response, East Pakistan declared independence on March 26, 1971.
The ensuing armed conflict involved the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) against the Pakistani military, prompting India to join in support of the Mukti Bahini. This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
India's involvement in the conflict was motivated by various factors, including the significant humanitarian crisis that took place . The war resulted in the displacement of around ten million refugees, placing a huge financial burden on India that would be probably hard to cope with over the years, leading to the decision of actively engaging in the conflict.
Whatever history perspective of telling the tale, the only undeniable fact is the tragic aspect of the War that many lives were lost, and countless women suffered unimaginable pain, particularly through acts of rape. The profound impact extended beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma, often leading to social stigmatization and dishonor for the survivors.
September 7, 2022
Thrilling to read the details behind our independence war. Brought forth my boyhood memories of the tension filled days.
July 18, 2022
Very good book and gives a good perspective of the Indian armed forces contribution. Reasonably good read.
August 6, 2022
Some books left you with a tear-jerking remembrance of old pain, this book is one of them.
This book opened up some old wounds and filled my heart with searing pain. A pain that would penetrate every Bengali's heart.
This is one helluva book that tells a lot about our two neighboring countries and I was eagerly waiting to read this book. One night how their own country turned out to be a slaughterhouse for them! How could someone do this genocide, the thought to do this heinous thing to their own countrymen makes me speechless. Just because their language and culture are a little bit different, that's how they tried to give a justification for this thought of not giving approval to their countrymen's democratic rights and set the country ablaze with fire. Millions of people become a refugee and flew to the nearest country in search of shelter and security because their government announced operation searchlight.
This book described how India enormously fought to win the diplomatic battle in UN for Bangladesh's establishment and the sporadic war in its own northwest zone. India finally fought into the battleground of Bangladesh's own soil to give Bengalis their rights. This is also a significant moment in Indian history because at that time India was facing her own struggle with the post-colonial establishment. It was a series of remarkable operations made by newborn India.
Spectacular description of India's involvement, India's preparation for battle in every section, Army's, Navy and Air force, thoroughly described here, 10 days battle of these three fields embedded in every page enough to send chill feeling up the spine. This pictorial depiction makes me read this book breathlessly, I wanted to stop, desperately needed to halt, wanted to exhale, sit back, and breathe but I couldn't.
3 million Bangladeshi people were killed from May - to December 16, 1971, Do you remember the holocaust? There were approximately 6 million Jews murdered in the Nazi holocaust who were put to death over a period of at least 6 years. It exceeds that of the Nazis by at least 33% which was deliberately tried to erase from people's minds after the establishment of Bangladesh. The author tried to shed an attempt on how India also let it happen and why India never glorify its biggest accomplishment in a war history which India actually deserved, this victory would be as glorious as world war 2 not because of its powerful impact but also in morality. The author here strives to find out the reason behind this mishappen and I found myself totally resonated with his approach.
In this war, India eventually lost 3,500 Indian soldiers, and 10,000 were injured in this short 10 days war.
In this book, the author presented impeccably researched work. The author encrypted the nuances of war in the pulsating narrative, with crispy words author K. S. Nair makes this book an amazing read, it's not like any dull documentary. I would recommend this book to all history lovers and to those who want to read political war history. Read this book and let me know your perspective of this book.
This book opened up some old wounds and filled my heart with searing pain. A pain that would penetrate every Bengali's heart.
This is one helluva book that tells a lot about our two neighboring countries and I was eagerly waiting to read this book. One night how their own country turned out to be a slaughterhouse for them! How could someone do this genocide, the thought to do this heinous thing to their own countrymen makes me speechless. Just because their language and culture are a little bit different, that's how they tried to give a justification for this thought of not giving approval to their countrymen's democratic rights and set the country ablaze with fire. Millions of people become a refugee and flew to the nearest country in search of shelter and security because their government announced operation searchlight.
This book described how India enormously fought to win the diplomatic battle in UN for Bangladesh's establishment and the sporadic war in its own northwest zone. India finally fought into the battleground of Bangladesh's own soil to give Bengalis their rights. This is also a significant moment in Indian history because at that time India was facing her own struggle with the post-colonial establishment. It was a series of remarkable operations made by newborn India.
Spectacular description of India's involvement, India's preparation for battle in every section, Army's, Navy and Air force, thoroughly described here, 10 days battle of these three fields embedded in every page enough to send chill feeling up the spine. This pictorial depiction makes me read this book breathlessly, I wanted to stop, desperately needed to halt, wanted to exhale, sit back, and breathe but I couldn't.
3 million Bangladeshi people were killed from May - to December 16, 1971, Do you remember the holocaust? There were approximately 6 million Jews murdered in the Nazi holocaust who were put to death over a period of at least 6 years. It exceeds that of the Nazis by at least 33% which was deliberately tried to erase from people's minds after the establishment of Bangladesh. The author tried to shed an attempt on how India also let it happen and why India never glorify its biggest accomplishment in a war history which India actually deserved, this victory would be as glorious as world war 2 not because of its powerful impact but also in morality. The author here strives to find out the reason behind this mishappen and I found myself totally resonated with his approach.
In this war, India eventually lost 3,500 Indian soldiers, and 10,000 were injured in this short 10 days war.
In this book, the author presented impeccably researched work. The author encrypted the nuances of war in the pulsating narrative, with crispy words author K. S. Nair makes this book an amazing read, it's not like any dull documentary. I would recommend this book to all history lovers and to those who want to read political war history. Read this book and let me know your perspective of this book.
December 15, 2022
Very detailed on war specifics. Also only gives indian perspective. I like the second to last chapter a lot
March 19, 2025
Well researched.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews