Book Review: Hyderabad: The Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

Blurb:

Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, is the Nizam of Hyderabad, the largest Princely State of the Crown. It sits in the belly of newly independent India to which Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel want Hyderabad to accede. The Communists have concurrently mounted a state-wide rebellion. But the Nizam’s family has ruled Hyderabad for 200 years. As the wealthiest man in the world, whom the British consider numero uno amongst India’s princes, he will not deal with two-penny Indian politicians! An ancient prophecy, however, hangs over the Nizam – the Asaf Jahi dynasty will last only seven generations. So, he keeps his jewel-laden trucks ready for flight even as he schemes with his army of militant Razakars. Meanwhile, in the palace thick with intrigue, the maid Uzma must decide where her loyalties with the peasantry or the Nizam. Among the Communist recruits, Jaabili finds love in unexpected quarters. Violence escalates and lawlessness mounts. Caught between a volatile Nizam and a resolute India, what price will Hyderabad pay? Advance Praise for Book 2 of The Partition Trilogy ‘Hyderabad! A liberation? A tragedy? The result of the Ironman’s will and Nehru’s vision to build a nation? The daydreams of a Nizam? The diplomatic strategies of Nehru and Dickie? Dreams of a Communist revolution? The common people’s struggles and sacrifices for land and a fistful of grain? But everything finally ends with a never-ending, silent violence on women’s bodies in the formation of a state. This is well-researched history woven as a thrilling novel by a terrific novelist, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar.’ – Volga, author of Vimukta Kadha Samputi Praise for Book 1 of The Partition Trilogy ‘Breathtaking in scope, painful yet gentle to the touch.’ – Taslima Nasreen ‘Vivid and atmospheric.’ – Aanchal Malhotra ‘Current, relevant and important.’ – Sabyn Javeri ‘Deftly weaves the big strands of history with the finer threads of human feeling.’ – Manu S. Pillai ‘Clearly a passion project … brilliantly traces our collective heritage.’ – The Deccan Herald ‘Does not let the subaltern disappear into the shadow of the giants…’ – Scroll.in ‘Deft writing … Lahore is a timely reminder of what hatred among brothers can do … Gripping and laced with pulsating emotions, it is a book worth reading.’ – The Hindu BusinessLine ‘Unputdownable’ – The Week

Review:

When one reflects on the Partition, Punjab and Bengal typically come to mind, evoking images of widespread bloodshed along the border. Families torn apart, forced to abandon their homes, and trains arriving at stations filled with the tragic aftermath. Refugee camps overflowing with confusion, longing, and a resilient determination to begin anew. Yet, overshadowed by the prevailing tales of 1947, lies the lesser-known account of Hyderabad’s integration into India.

In 1947, Hyderabad stood not only as one of India’s largest and most influential princely states but also boasted Mir Osman Ali Khan, the world’s wealthiest individual, as its ruler. Determined to maintain his sovereignty, the Nizam staunchly opposed integration into India. Meanwhile, in distant Delhi, amidst efforts to quell sectarian violence and aid refugee resettlement, leaders like Sardar Patel and Nehru deliberated on peaceful methods to persuade Hyderabad to join India.

“Hyderabad” is the second installment of The Partition Trilogy. Spanning from July 1947 to September 1948, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of a diverse array of characters, blending both fictional personas with historical figures, as they navigate the turbulent landscapes of Delhi and Hyderabad.

Manreet’s storytelling captivates from the outset, it encapsulates the essence of its chosen theme. Evocative of its setting, the narrative deepens in intensity with each turn of the page. The novel maintains a steady rhythm, skillfully exploring a myriad of themes including politics, violence, resilience, and the quest for identity amidst the backdrop of separation and tragedy. While certain historical nuances may have been omitted, the narrative remains firmly anchored by a robust central plot.

Jaabli’s flight from a constrained existence to embrace freedom contrasts sharply with Uzma’s resigned acceptance of her fate. Daniyal emerges as a fiery, self-righteous rebel deeply committed to the Communist cause, while Niloufer embodies a perspective from the other side of the social spectrum. Emily Perkins arrives in Hyderabad driven by a desire to experience royalty and ambitiously document imperial grandeur.

While the fictional characters in this narrative are sparse, their emotions, concerns, and political stances are portrayed vividly. While themes of pain and fear linger in the background, they are overshadowed by the narrative’s focus on suspense.

Manreet’s sincerity and meticulous research are evident, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Undertaking such a comprehensive endeavor must have been quite daunting, making her achievement all the more impressive.