15th August 1947, India broke free from the shackles of slavery and servitude. This independence struggles can be traced back to the period of the Second World War. ‗The Raj at War‘ by Yasmin Khan entails gripping tales of struggle, perseverance, resilience and victory. It successfully captures the prevalent obscurity about the war and India‘s contribution.
“Britain did not fight the Second World War, the British Empire did.”
This statement captures the essence of the Second World War. The Second World War was, for Britain, a matter of prestige. The mother empire drew heavily from its colonies in terms of manpower and monetary requirements. India‘s contribution in supplying human force was phenomenal and it played a very important role in the battles of Tobruk, Kohima, Keren, Imphal, Monte Cassino.
The first news of victory for the British Empire came from Middle East and North Africa. This was largely possible due to the valour and determination of the Indian men. Another important battle which won the Indian army appreciation from Winston Churchill was the Battle of Keren. Yasmin Khan narrates the battle by pivoting around Richpal Ram and his team. She describes the battle as “The Battle of Keren was an extraordinary feat of endurance and willpower over six weeks of protracted and stubborn fighting in almost impossible terrain
The battles of Kohima and Imphal were one of the bloodiest battles in the Second World War in India. The Indian Army‘s victory was facilitated by their knowledge of guerilla tactics provided to them by the indigenous Nagas and other tribesmen.
But who were these men whose selfless service was unnoticed by many? They were the destitute unemployed youth of India. The recruiting officers took cognizance of the helpless condition of many young men and announced various incentives to entice them into joining the army. “Free ration, clothes, and games that soldiers would be able to access development and the promise of a more modern future were used as enticements to induce the men to sign.” India was plagued with poverty, unemployment, illiteracy etc. Many were the single bread earners of the family and thus they joined the army to ensure a decent living oneself and one‘s family.
While some were compelled to join the army, certain sections of the populace voluntarily joined. These were the Punjabi, Sikhs, Jats, Rajputs and descendants of families who for generations served in the army. For them, it was a matter of pride and question of loyalty.
War entails the brave stories of soldiers and those who were in the forefront, bearing arms and defending borders. What about non – combatants? The Second World War demonstrates the contribution of an army who can be rightly called the unsung heroes. This is summarized in the following lines, “And behind them all stood the non – combatants who made the Indian army function… Behind the caricatures of „martial races‟ were millions of people with miscellaneous back grounds, ambitions, fears and needs.”
A group of people who were ignored and not given due importance for their contribution were the Lascars. Lascars, all non – European sailors, mostly from the Indian sub – continent were employed to work on British marine ships.They were subject to inhuman conditions of work and indiscriminate treatment. Although the war proved as a catalyst for the improvement of the Lascar‘s living condition, this change was brought in, much later after the damage was done.
The period of war in India was besieged with a number of problems. Imposition of martial law, differential treatment among soldiers, inflow of refugees were some of them. The Defense of India Act was popular for its inhuman treatment and its restrictive nature. India was home to small but significant communities of Germans and Italians in 1940 and many Polish refugees. While Polish refugees welcomed, Germans and Italians were treated differently. While discrimination existed in the treatment of refugees, the situation in the army was no different. Despite demonstration of unflinching loyalty and determination, the Indian men were not given due importance in the British Empire.
The Indian mercenary army swore allegiance to the British Empire during their recruitment. They promised to be loyal and execute all strategies to ensure victory. But ‗loyalty‘ was not the only reason why Indian men voluntarily joined the army. For many the Second World War was a leverage to seek independence for India. Yasmin Khan narrates several incidents to corroborate the claim that India‘s independence was one of the major reasons why she supported the war. Despite repeated demands, India‘s independence was given secondary importance. Britain continued to drain India of her manpower and other resources. Indian army encouraged men to serve the empire today in order to work towards a better future tomorrow.
As war drew close and celebrations were in full swing, the future of India appeared nebulous. Indian Independence, although certain to take place, still looked likely to face potential delays. Finally on August 15th 1947, India achieved independence. India‘s participation in the Second World War proved as a catalyst in her struggle for Independence.
The Second World War was not only about the Allies winning over the Axis power. The world witnessed victory, but victory does not only mean overpowering ones enemy, it also entails certain positive changes which proved beneficial for future generations. India witnessed an upsurge in the field of art, literature and culture. The government took cognizance of the various issues affecting combatants and their families and efforts were taken to rectify problems. The biggest advantage to India came in the form of a shipyard which was initiated by Walchand Hirachand. Another notable impact was the involvement of women. The women workforce multiplied and they actively participated in all wartime activities. Cinema started reflecting the emerging themes and the underlying nuances of the war. Psychological effects of the war cannot be ignored. While many soldiers suffered from survivor‘s guilt, survivors of the Bengal famine and those whose property had been requisitioned had a different story to tell.
‗The Raj at War‘ provides an alternate history of the Second World War. Dr. Yasmin Khan provides authentic details about the war by including personal accounts of people. Dr. Khan‘s efforts in justifying India‘s participation also helps one understand the political and social conditions prevalent in India during the 1940s. The political classes in India, the people, the royalty, the government all were collectively involved in the war and their contribution facilitated the Allied victory.
A major drawback of the book is the style of designing the events. The book does not follow a chronological order and thus it becomes difficult for the reader to ascertain certain events.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said ―We are not makers of History. We are made by History.‘‘ The ‗Raj at War‘ helps one understand the history of India which was left unexplored for the longest period.
