Kashmir 1947: Origins of a Dispute

Kashmir is one of the most intensely disputed regions of the world. Lying between India and Pakistan, it was acceeded to India by the British when they left in 1947; however, with a majority Muslim population, many Kashmiris and Pakistanis felt that it should have become a part of Pakistan. A continual source of conflict, in late 2002, with troups aligned on the borders, the prospect of a possible nuclear war was only narrowly avoided. In this work, Prem Jha provides a virtually day-to-day account of the critical times when the fate of Kashmir was decided in the context of Britain's geo-political strategies. Drawing on personal accounts by the main players in the events of 1947, he examines the contrasting versions of history that have emerged since that time. Offering insights into the volatility of politics in the Indian subcontinent, this is a valuable study for anyone interested in the history of the region.