Wavell and the Dying Days of the Raj: Britains Penultimate Viceroy in India

The book analyzes the complex undercurrents of Lord Wavells Viceroyalty in India during the Second World War, covering nearly all the major events and highlighting the significance of Wavells Breakdown Plan in the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2023
Publisher: OUP Pakistan

The political events that unfolded during Lord Wavell's Viceroyalty in India laid the foundation for the events that followed during the Mountbatten era. Wavell strongly advocated for implementing the Breakdown Plan, which would provide the British government with a well-defined course of action in case of their inevitable departure from India. However, Wavell's assessment of India's rapidly evolving political landscape began to shed light on a sobering global dilemma for the British: relinquishing control over India would lead to a contraction in their global influence.

This book delves into the intricate undercurrents of Lord Wavell's Viceroyalty, a subject that has previously received limited attention in comparable depth. It encompasses nearly all the significant events that shaped the Indian political landscape during the Second World War and the immediate aftermath, when the British grip on India was gradually weakening. The timing of their departure from India was merely a matter of when.

In this second edition, a new chapter has been added to emphasize the immense significance of Wavell's Breakdown Plan in the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. It explores the plan's implementation, its aftermath, and its lasting impact on the region.

By examining the political events of Lord Wavell's Viceroyalty and the subsequent Mountbatten era, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics that shaped India's history during a pivotal period. It sheds light on the decisions, strategies, and challenges faced by both the British and Indian governments, and offers valuable insights into the events that led to the partition of India and the birth of Pakistan.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190707842
Edition number: 2 Revised edition