Lost In History: 1984 Reconstructed

by Gunisha Kaur

1984 Reconstructed provides a comprehensive, nuanced and accessible account of recent human rights violations in Punjab, especially during the last quarter of the 20th century. The book engages with primary source material and eyewitness accounts, and serves as an excellent reference book for modern Sikh issue.

"Gunisha Kaur's Lost in History 1984 Reconstructed is a heartfelt and brave witness to one of the great scenes of human cruelty in the 20th century - the widescale torture and slaughter of the Sikhs in Punjab. Little-known to those not tracking human rights abuses, this story is clearly and passionately told by a young woman who documents on behalf of her people and all humanity. The clarity and strength of her vision are compelling."

Dr. Diane Christian
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
Author of Blood Sacrifice and The Priesthood of Death

"In 1984, India launched a full scale army invasion of the Golden Temple and many Sikh places of worship across Punjab in northwest India, suspended all legal safeguards, and transformed the villages of Punjab into killing fields with no accounting of the dead and the maimed. Human rights organizations were and continue to be denied access to conduct honest inquiry...

Gunisha's voice is fresh, her writing sensitive. It has an overwhelming sadness about 1984 but it is not without hope. Hope can flourish only if the record does not get lost in the contrived passages and cunning corridors of history.

In the face of overwhelming trauma all that any citizen can do is not to cease thinking and not to hold one's tongue. This Gunisha has done most effectively and admirably."

Dr. I.J. Singh
New York University
Author of The Sikh Way: A Pilgrim's Progress,
Sikhs & Sikhism: A View with a Bias and Being and Becoming a Sikh

Genres: Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and poignant account of a significant part of Indian history that has been strategically erased. As a nation that boasts its diversity, this reveals the long-buried tear in the tapestry of its democracy, marred with egregious acts of religious and ethnic cleansing.

[Gitanjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book for a starting point about 1984. It goes into the political situation surrounding 1984 and really roots the event in the political context. Very well written and a short read, only 87 pages.

[Gavindeep Muhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book on the 1984 June + November Sikh Genocide

[Davinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece of Memory and Humanity

'Lost In History: 1984 Reconstructed' by Gunisha Kaur is a profound and deeply moving exploration of a chapter in history that remains both heart-wrenching and illuminating. This book transcends traditional historical narratives, offering not only a meticulously researched account but also an intimate, human perspective on the events surrounding the anti-Sikh riots of 1984.

Kaur’s writing is both poetic and precise, balancing the emotional gravity of personal stories with the rigor of historical documentation. Her ability to weave firsthand accounts, oral histories, and archival research into a seamless narrative is nothing short of extraordinary. The stories she brings to light are harrowing yet necessary, reminding readers of the enduring impact of violence and the resilience of those who survive it.

What sets this book apart is Kaur’s sensitivity and empathy. She does not merely present facts; she reconstructs lives, voices, and experiences that have been silenced for far too long. Her writing compels readers to reflect on themes of justice, memory, and collective healing, making this not just a historical recounting but a call for greater humanity and understanding.

'Lost In History' is a book that stays with you, challenging you to confront uncomfortable truths while inspiring a deeper appreciation for resilience and hope. Whether you are familiar with the events of 1984 or encountering them for the first time, this book is an essential read. Gunisha Kaur has given a voice to the voiceless and created a masterpiece of remembrance. Highly recommended!

[Jannat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good introduction to the state of affairs in Punjab. The reading is brief but gives a succinct overview of Operation Blue Star, the November massacre, and the continued trend of police brutality masked as anti-terror efforts. I also appreciate the author including a further readings list. While Gunisha Kaur herself does explicitly write of counterinsurgency, her examples illuminate this rising political strategy in India. I enjoyed this reading, it was fast, well paced, and well researched; I’m glad this was first on my thesis reading list for the summer.

[★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intro to the 1984 Sikh genocide in India and the ongoing oppression and violence against Sikhs in Punjab. May all people facing genocide and ethnic-cleansing globally achieve peace, liberation, and justice.

[Maartje Paauw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not nearly have enough knowledge on this topic to write an in-depth review, but what I can say is that it is well-written and from what I can tell well-researched. It definitely taught me about a situation I was not previously familiar with, which is honestly shocking considering the magnitude of it.

[Sandeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening and in my opinion, transcendent, given that there isn’t much more comparable written about this part of Sikh history.