Boundaries of Belonging: Localities, Citizenship and Rights in India and Pakistan

The 1947 Partition had a significant impact on citizenship and rights in India and Pakistan, and Boundaries of Belonging explores this impact by focusing on the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh and Sindh. The analysis reveals commonalities, differences, and the mutual co-construction of citizenship, and highlights the way in which developments across the border could impact minority rights in Pakistan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The 1947 Partition had a profound and lasting impact on citizenship and rights in India and Pakistan, shaping the political landscape for decades to come. In their book, Boundaries of Belonging, Sarah Ansari and William Gould delve into the complexities of citizenship evolution during a period of political transition. By shifting the focus away from the well-known hotspots of Bengal and Punjab to the less explored hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh and Sindh, the authors offer a fresh perspective on the Partition's effects. Through extensive archival research and fieldwork, they uncover commonalities, differences, and the intricate ways in which citizens in both regions were shaped by the process. The analysis challenges prevailing stereotypes of an increasingly authoritarian Pakistan and democratic India, suggesting that the differences between the two countries are often overstated. The authors argue that the Partition not only divided physical spaces but also created new social and political identities, leading to the emergence of distinct communities with their own set of rights and privileges. They explore how these identities were shaped by factors such as religion, language, and culture, and how they intersected with the broader political context to influence the course of citizenship in both countries. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the ways in which developments across the border, such as communal violence, could directly impact minority rights in Pakistan's neighboring India. By examining the complex interplay between the two nations, Boundaries of Belonging makes a significant contribution to recent scholarship that seeks to understand the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. The authors' nuanced analysis provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities for peace and cooperation in the region. Overall, Boundaries of Belonging is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and citizenship of South Asia, particularly in the context of the Partition.

ISBN-13: 9781316647172