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Watershed 1967: India's Forgotten Victory Over China
What happened when India and China last went to battle with each other? China won? Wrong, India won. The sole India–China conflict that remains etched in our collective memory is the 1962 war, which India tragically lost. But five years later, in 1967, India and China faced off once again in the heights of Cho La and Nathu La at the Sikkim border.
This time, overcoming the odds, India triumphed. The fallout of these forgotten battles was immense. China shied away from actively allying with Pakistan and the US during the 1971 India–Pakistan war. And despite several stand-offs in the half century since then, Beijing has never again launched a military offensive against India. This incredible book tells us why these battles ushered in an era of peace.
Full of thrilling international intrigue and nail-biting battle scenes, this book is based on extensive research and interviews with army officers and soldiers who participated in these historic battles. It aims to rectify a blind spot in history and shine the spotlight on a story of incredible bravery that India should be proud of.
This time, overcoming the odds, India triumphed. The fallout of these forgotten battles was immense. China shied away from actively allying with Pakistan and the US during the 1971 India–Pakistan war. And despite several stand-offs in the half century since then, Beijing has never again launched a military offensive against India. This incredible book tells us why these battles ushered in an era of peace.
Full of thrilling international intrigue and nail-biting battle scenes, this book is based on extensive research and interviews with army officers and soldiers who participated in these historic battles. It aims to rectify a blind spot in history and shine the spotlight on a story of incredible bravery that India should be proud of.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
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September 17, 2021
Which was the last battle fought between India & China & who won?
If your answer is the Indo-Sino war of 1962, you need to pick this book up. If your answer is correct, then also this book has much to throw on the background and development that led to the Indo-Sino conflict of 1967.
The last major war fought between these 2 giants was not in 1962 where India lost, but was 1967 when China lost or as the author says China got a bloody nose. Its to the constant brainwashing and chanting of "China is a big bully" that has led us to think less of ourselves and forget such significant, life turning events. But the ball that led to all these, had started rolling as far back as the Indo-Pak war of 1965.
There are many reviews saying the book deals with so much of details on 1965 but not on 1967; affecting its review. Well if you ask me, that narration and details were necessary as most of the intricate details lie in the past.
Many names, though not unexpected, come to light like Sheikh Abdullah, involvement of China in 1965, the Tashkent agreement, and prominent & otherwise "people's favorite" leaders of America on their stand about India & Indians... finally everything boiled down to 1967.
The significance of the win of 1967 was manyfolds and tremendous. It had direct repercussions on the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Once you understand the meaning of 1967, it would give nightmares to think of what would have happened to us in 1971 had we not won in 1967 - the international map of India and its neighbour would have been totally different and not in a good way !
It's not a big read and can be finished in a day. Read it to understand and thank our mighty soldiers.
Highly recommended.
If your answer is the Indo-Sino war of 1962, you need to pick this book up. If your answer is correct, then also this book has much to throw on the background and development that led to the Indo-Sino conflict of 1967.
The last major war fought between these 2 giants was not in 1962 where India lost, but was 1967 when China lost or as the author says China got a bloody nose. Its to the constant brainwashing and chanting of "China is a big bully" that has led us to think less of ourselves and forget such significant, life turning events. But the ball that led to all these, had started rolling as far back as the Indo-Pak war of 1965.
There are many reviews saying the book deals with so much of details on 1965 but not on 1967; affecting its review. Well if you ask me, that narration and details were necessary as most of the intricate details lie in the past.
Many names, though not unexpected, come to light like Sheikh Abdullah, involvement of China in 1965, the Tashkent agreement, and prominent & otherwise "people's favorite" leaders of America on their stand about India & Indians... finally everything boiled down to 1967.
The significance of the win of 1967 was manyfolds and tremendous. It had direct repercussions on the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Once you understand the meaning of 1967, it would give nightmares to think of what would have happened to us in 1971 had we not won in 1967 - the international map of India and its neighbour would have been totally different and not in a good way !
It's not a big read and can be finished in a day. Read it to understand and thank our mighty soldiers.
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2020
It changed course of history...
This book is not just about the heroism of the Nathu La battle. I am greatly astonished knowing its deep geopolitical impact. If we look at Nathu la battle as just "win" over china, it would be a great disrespect. Thanks to Probal Dasgupta for covering all the dimensions of this battle. Writing is very lucid, I read it in one sitting.
I will list down the things, the book has covered so that you can have an idea of the depth of a subject.
1. 1965 India-Pakistan war from the perspective of the Chinese role in it and as seeds of 1967.
2. Surrendering Jelep la pass to china.
3. Monarchy in Sikkim.
3. Chinese role in North-East Insurgency.
4. Chinese role in the Naxalite movement.
5. A fierce battle at Nathu la and Cho la.
6. Aizawl - Indias Bombing on its own citizens.
- I am awestruck with Indira Gandhi's ruthlessness when it comes to threats to the nation.
7. Effect of Nathu la battle on 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.
- Chines who were directly interfering in the 1965 war, stayed away in the 1975 war, even if the USA directly told them to wedge war against India to support Pakistan.
8. Integration of Sikkim.
9. The military conflict at Tawang in 1986
If you would like to understand India-china relations, then this book will definitely help to understand the military aspect of this relationship.
This book is not just about the heroism of the Nathu La battle. I am greatly astonished knowing its deep geopolitical impact. If we look at Nathu la battle as just "win" over china, it would be a great disrespect. Thanks to Probal Dasgupta for covering all the dimensions of this battle. Writing is very lucid, I read it in one sitting.
I will list down the things, the book has covered so that you can have an idea of the depth of a subject.
1. 1965 India-Pakistan war from the perspective of the Chinese role in it and as seeds of 1967.
2. Surrendering Jelep la pass to china.
3. Monarchy in Sikkim.
3. Chinese role in North-East Insurgency.
4. Chinese role in the Naxalite movement.
5. A fierce battle at Nathu la and Cho la.
6. Aizawl - Indias Bombing on its own citizens.
- I am awestruck with Indira Gandhi's ruthlessness when it comes to threats to the nation.
7. Effect of Nathu la battle on 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.
- Chines who were directly interfering in the 1965 war, stayed away in the 1975 war, even if the USA directly told them to wedge war against India to support Pakistan.
8. Integration of Sikkim.
9. The military conflict at Tawang in 1986
If you would like to understand India-china relations, then this book will definitely help to understand the military aspect of this relationship.
September 10, 2020
A very interesting read about many a topics I wanted to educate myself further on, from Nathu la and Sikkim's integration with India to the bombing of Aizawl(which I didn't even know happened).
It sheds light on how legendary military leaders like Sagat Singh with a grip on reality on the ground suffer because of not following orders given by bureaucrats sitting in comfortable Delhi offices and many more topics that need addressing.
I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a book that can educate you on these topics while not becoming boring or preachy at any point
It sheds light on how legendary military leaders like Sagat Singh with a grip on reality on the ground suffer because of not following orders given by bureaucrats sitting in comfortable Delhi offices and many more topics that need addressing.
I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a book that can educate you on these topics while not becoming boring or preachy at any point
January 14, 2024
Like several other Martyr
Summary Need to be taught to our children
Summary Need to be taught to our children
March 13, 2020
Great writing by Probal, indeed nail biting story which we totally forgot about 1967war, we all hear about Nathula Pass, Siligiri only when we wanted ride towards Bhutan now when we go we can see some of the places mentioned here.
Great work Probal, looking for next one.
Great work Probal, looking for next one.
March 16, 2021
Book: Watershed 1967: India's Forgotten Victory Over China
Author: Probal Dasgupta
Publisher: Juggernaut (17 February 2020)
Language: English
Hardcover: 296 pages
Item Weight: 386 g
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 4 cm
Country of Origin: India
Price: 390/-
The 1962 war, which China won, is a noteworthy occurrence and a stinging memory for Indians. The miserable rout dealt a cruel blow to the pride of a grand old civilization and a lately independent country born just one and a half decades earlier.
The impact of that defeat still lingers in Indian thinking about the dangers of antagonizing China.
But unremembered by most people is an uniformly momentous event that took place five years after the 1962 war. India and China fought again in 1967, on two Himalayan passes called Cho La and Nathu La at the China–Sikkim border.
This book traces the story of that implausible but forgotten victory over China.
The narrative in this book has been divided into three parts.
Part 1, entitled ‘The Road to 1967’ contains the following chapters:
1. Secret Games: Spies, Soldiers and the Opening Gambit
2. In the Shadow of the Dragon: The War Moves East
3. Protests, Disagreements and a Temporary Truce: Advantage China
The story begins in Part 1 three years after the India–China war of 1962. India was still recuperating from the injured self-esteem of its political and military leadership.
After the defeat of 1962, India began to obtain weapons and equipment, besides raising copious army divisions to reinforce its defences. Such express developments caught the attention of Pakistani leaders who believed that a better armed and prepared India would be hard to overpower in the future.
A coalition against India was entered into between Pakistan and China which suited both countries. For Pakistan, the fluid issue of Kashmir was an impetus to corner India when it was down, while for China a natural collaborator such as Pakistan, given the historic India–Pakistan hostility, could be used to fight a fitting proxy war to further institute its ascendancy over India.
In 1965, two vulnerable points – Kashmir in the north and Sikkim in the east – presented a prospect for China and Pakistan to stretch India’s military employment on both flanks and demolish its defence capabilities. On both fronts there existed narrow geographical corridors whose capture could end up dismembering India.
The book starts with a story of an international conspiracy and the resultant devious plan hatched by Pakistan and China to attack India in 1965.
This well-crafted plan was astutely shared with a high-flying Kashmiri politician to try to obtain local support for a Pakistani attack against India. Around the same time, American spies and the CIA, conscious about the turn of events, were gazing at a possible war involving the three countries – India, China and Pakistan.
War lastly broke out between India and Pakistan in August 1965. The following things happened:
1) Pakistan used a mixture of clandestine and predictable approaches to wage war in Kashmir and then in Punjab.
2) China threatened India’s protectorate state of Sikkim, then under the control of monarchy.
3) The plan was to capture Kashmir and occupy Sikkim and then force India to the negotiating table for a barter exchange involving the two states.
However, India’s victorious performance in the 1965 war against Pakistan foiled the Sino-Pakistani plans. China’s threat on the eastern border, though, remained unresolved.
The war ended with India acquiring an edge over Pakistan but also resulted in a permanent Chinese presence on the Sikkim border. The stage was set for India and China to face off in Sikkim.
Part 2 of the book, entitled ‘The Battles of Nathu La and Cho La’, contains the following chapters:
4. China’s Psychological Tactics: Softening Up the Enemy Before the Storm
5. 1966–67: Warriors Arrive at the Watershed
6. The Tipping Point: A Tale of Spies and a Breach at the Watershed
7. Hellfire at Nathu La
8. The Battle of Cho La
This part of the book traces the happenings from the end of the 1965 war and leads into the historic battles of 1967. Sikkim’s royals wanted Sikkim to be an independent state, much to the irritation of the government in New Delhi. And China tried persistently to intimidate and badger India.
There were recurrent disagreements between New Delhi and Peking (now Beijing) in this period on issues such as Bhutan’s territory of Doklam and China’s support to insurgency movements in India, including the new Naxal movement inside Bengal.
These were years when things were relentlessly on the boil: there were everyday skirmishes on the Sikkim–China border, and even the arrest of two Indian diplomats in Peking and the tit-for-tat maltreatment of Chinese diplomats in New Delhi.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee even led a flock of sheep to the gates of the Chinese embassy in Delhi to protest Peking’s hostility.
Relations were on a slippery slope. The armies of the two countries clashed in Nathu La in September 1967 over the laying of a barbed wire fence to mark the Sikkim–China border.
The battle lasted a few days. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, young officers and soldiers of the Indian army defeated the Chinese at Nathu La.
Many lives were lost on both sides but the Indians finally got their revenge against the Chinese for the humiliation of 1962. Embarrassed and shell-shocked, the Chinese engaged the Indians again a fortnight later in another battle at Cho La, in the same sector. Once again, Sagat’s forces proved more than equal to the task.
The Chinese were defeated again and this time, the emotional lumber of being beaten in two consecutive battles within a month befell China.
Part 3 of the book, entitled ‘Epilogue’ contains a lone chapter, ‘After the Watershed Battles’.
This part of the book investigates the strategic repercussion of the victories at Nathu La and Cho La. The victories of 1967 and Sagat Singh’s daring judgment at that time to occupy the border at Nathu La, ignoring the Chinese threat and even disobeying the orders of his superiors, played a crucial role in China not participating aggressively in the India–Pakistan war of 1971.
The susceptibility of the Siliguri Corridor, the thin strip of land that links the north-eastern part of India to the rest of its land, and which China would have had trouble-free access to had it won the battle of Nathu La, could not have been felt more than during the 1971 war.
Had China had control over Nathu La it could have linked up with East Pakistani forces with no trouble and severed India’s eastern wing from the mainland.
Nevertheless, the victories in the battles of 1967 prevented Chinese meddling in the Siliguri Corridor in 1971 – something that saved India from certain tragedy.
India’s watershed victories are unrecognized turning points in history and helped shape India’s approach to later conflicts with China. These battles determined the military template for India’s aggressive performance in stand-offs such as in Sumdorong Chu in 1986 and Doklam in 2017. Fifty years after these battles, China and India have never fought a war again. There are many important reasons for this but the role of the 1967 battles in creating a template to grapple with military confrontation cannot be underestimated.
The twin victories at Cho La and Nathu La have only been covered in fragments through articles and papers.
This book, based on extensive interviews with the army men who were present at the scene, captures the events truthfully and aims to fix this blind spot in history.
Today, Nathu La is a bustling tourist attraction on the India–China border. Thousands of visitors flock the border where Indian and Chinese sentries stand opposite each other.
The tales of the soldiers’ great sacrifices at these Himalayan heights to reinstate a nation’s self-worth and herald an era of peace is beyond compare.
This book narrates the tale of India’s forgotten victory over China – the last time they fought.
A must read for all students and admirers of Indian history alike.
Author: Probal Dasgupta
Publisher: Juggernaut (17 February 2020)
Language: English
Hardcover: 296 pages
Item Weight: 386 g
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 4 cm
Country of Origin: India
Price: 390/-
The 1962 war, which China won, is a noteworthy occurrence and a stinging memory for Indians. The miserable rout dealt a cruel blow to the pride of a grand old civilization and a lately independent country born just one and a half decades earlier.
The impact of that defeat still lingers in Indian thinking about the dangers of antagonizing China.
But unremembered by most people is an uniformly momentous event that took place five years after the 1962 war. India and China fought again in 1967, on two Himalayan passes called Cho La and Nathu La at the China–Sikkim border.
This book traces the story of that implausible but forgotten victory over China.
The narrative in this book has been divided into three parts.
Part 1, entitled ‘The Road to 1967’ contains the following chapters:
1. Secret Games: Spies, Soldiers and the Opening Gambit
2. In the Shadow of the Dragon: The War Moves East
3. Protests, Disagreements and a Temporary Truce: Advantage China
The story begins in Part 1 three years after the India–China war of 1962. India was still recuperating from the injured self-esteem of its political and military leadership.
After the defeat of 1962, India began to obtain weapons and equipment, besides raising copious army divisions to reinforce its defences. Such express developments caught the attention of Pakistani leaders who believed that a better armed and prepared India would be hard to overpower in the future.
A coalition against India was entered into between Pakistan and China which suited both countries. For Pakistan, the fluid issue of Kashmir was an impetus to corner India when it was down, while for China a natural collaborator such as Pakistan, given the historic India–Pakistan hostility, could be used to fight a fitting proxy war to further institute its ascendancy over India.
In 1965, two vulnerable points – Kashmir in the north and Sikkim in the east – presented a prospect for China and Pakistan to stretch India’s military employment on both flanks and demolish its defence capabilities. On both fronts there existed narrow geographical corridors whose capture could end up dismembering India.
The book starts with a story of an international conspiracy and the resultant devious plan hatched by Pakistan and China to attack India in 1965.
This well-crafted plan was astutely shared with a high-flying Kashmiri politician to try to obtain local support for a Pakistani attack against India. Around the same time, American spies and the CIA, conscious about the turn of events, were gazing at a possible war involving the three countries – India, China and Pakistan.
War lastly broke out between India and Pakistan in August 1965. The following things happened:
1) Pakistan used a mixture of clandestine and predictable approaches to wage war in Kashmir and then in Punjab.
2) China threatened India’s protectorate state of Sikkim, then under the control of monarchy.
3) The plan was to capture Kashmir and occupy Sikkim and then force India to the negotiating table for a barter exchange involving the two states.
However, India’s victorious performance in the 1965 war against Pakistan foiled the Sino-Pakistani plans. China’s threat on the eastern border, though, remained unresolved.
The war ended with India acquiring an edge over Pakistan but also resulted in a permanent Chinese presence on the Sikkim border. The stage was set for India and China to face off in Sikkim.
Part 2 of the book, entitled ‘The Battles of Nathu La and Cho La’, contains the following chapters:
4. China’s Psychological Tactics: Softening Up the Enemy Before the Storm
5. 1966–67: Warriors Arrive at the Watershed
6. The Tipping Point: A Tale of Spies and a Breach at the Watershed
7. Hellfire at Nathu La
8. The Battle of Cho La
This part of the book traces the happenings from the end of the 1965 war and leads into the historic battles of 1967. Sikkim’s royals wanted Sikkim to be an independent state, much to the irritation of the government in New Delhi. And China tried persistently to intimidate and badger India.
There were recurrent disagreements between New Delhi and Peking (now Beijing) in this period on issues such as Bhutan’s territory of Doklam and China’s support to insurgency movements in India, including the new Naxal movement inside Bengal.
These were years when things were relentlessly on the boil: there were everyday skirmishes on the Sikkim–China border, and even the arrest of two Indian diplomats in Peking and the tit-for-tat maltreatment of Chinese diplomats in New Delhi.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee even led a flock of sheep to the gates of the Chinese embassy in Delhi to protest Peking’s hostility.
Relations were on a slippery slope. The armies of the two countries clashed in Nathu La in September 1967 over the laying of a barbed wire fence to mark the Sikkim–China border.
The battle lasted a few days. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, young officers and soldiers of the Indian army defeated the Chinese at Nathu La.
Many lives were lost on both sides but the Indians finally got their revenge against the Chinese for the humiliation of 1962. Embarrassed and shell-shocked, the Chinese engaged the Indians again a fortnight later in another battle at Cho La, in the same sector. Once again, Sagat’s forces proved more than equal to the task.
The Chinese were defeated again and this time, the emotional lumber of being beaten in two consecutive battles within a month befell China.
Part 3 of the book, entitled ‘Epilogue’ contains a lone chapter, ‘After the Watershed Battles’.
This part of the book investigates the strategic repercussion of the victories at Nathu La and Cho La. The victories of 1967 and Sagat Singh’s daring judgment at that time to occupy the border at Nathu La, ignoring the Chinese threat and even disobeying the orders of his superiors, played a crucial role in China not participating aggressively in the India–Pakistan war of 1971.
The susceptibility of the Siliguri Corridor, the thin strip of land that links the north-eastern part of India to the rest of its land, and which China would have had trouble-free access to had it won the battle of Nathu La, could not have been felt more than during the 1971 war.
Had China had control over Nathu La it could have linked up with East Pakistani forces with no trouble and severed India’s eastern wing from the mainland.
Nevertheless, the victories in the battles of 1967 prevented Chinese meddling in the Siliguri Corridor in 1971 – something that saved India from certain tragedy.
India’s watershed victories are unrecognized turning points in history and helped shape India’s approach to later conflicts with China. These battles determined the military template for India’s aggressive performance in stand-offs such as in Sumdorong Chu in 1986 and Doklam in 2017. Fifty years after these battles, China and India have never fought a war again. There are many important reasons for this but the role of the 1967 battles in creating a template to grapple with military confrontation cannot be underestimated.
The twin victories at Cho La and Nathu La have only been covered in fragments through articles and papers.
This book, based on extensive interviews with the army men who were present at the scene, captures the events truthfully and aims to fix this blind spot in history.
Today, Nathu La is a bustling tourist attraction on the India–China border. Thousands of visitors flock the border where Indian and Chinese sentries stand opposite each other.
The tales of the soldiers’ great sacrifices at these Himalayan heights to reinstate a nation’s self-worth and herald an era of peace is beyond compare.
This book narrates the tale of India’s forgotten victory over China – the last time they fought.
A must read for all students and admirers of Indian history alike.
June 6, 2020
Watershed 1967 – Probal Dasgupta
No conversation about India and China is complete without reference to our devastating defeat of 1962, where the Chinese showed us our place. Despite stories of bravery of officers like Shaitan Singh, the general narrative about the Indo-China military history is one of ignorance, inadequacy and ineptness.
In this context, Probal Dasgupta’s narration of those 2 days in 1967 when India gave the Chinese a bloody nose, is quite heartening.
The first incident happened at Nathu La, on the border of Sikkim and Tibet. The Chinese had amassed significant troops and were looking to bully the Indians into giving up strategic positions on the mountains. The Indians, under the leadership of Major General Sagat Singh, refused to cow down. Despite early setbacks due to uncalled for bravado by some Indian soldiers and officers, Sagat Singh’s forces were able to maintain control of the important posts at Nathu La and push the Chinese back.
The battle shifted the next day to nearby Cho La. The smarting Chinese tried again to gain control of the upper ridges / peaks which would have given them a strategic oversight of Indian positions. Again, decisive leadership and excellent warfare by the Indians led to the Chinese beating retreat once again.
These skirmishes cost the Chinese 375-400 soldiers even as India lost ~100 bravehearts.
Sikkim, an Indian protectorate till 1975, has been a crucial buffer preventing the Chinese from coming too close to the Chicken’s neck at Siliguri. Hence, protecting our positions at Nathu La and Cho La had huge strategic value to thwarting any attempts of collaboration between China and Pakistan. Probal does a good job of explaining this strategic importance and its implications thereafter in the 1971 India-Pakistan war where the Chinese refused to interfere despite American encouragement.
He also highlights the psychological victory that the Indians won by holding their ground in Sikkim. It indicated to China that the Indians were no pushovers (unlike 1962) and that any future military misadventure would cost them as well.
Since the subject matter of the book is rather limited, it does seem that the author meanders a bit much into the 1965 Indo-Pak war in an attempt to build up the context of the Sino-Pak collaboration against India.
Also, the author is working to a narrative and hence ignores other challenges facing China in 1971 (such as a massive Russian engagement on their Northern border) which might have prevented the Chinese from playing a larger role.
Nevertheless, Watershed 1967 is an interesting addition to the study of Indian history post 1947. It serves to correct some of our historical perception of weakness, which we Indians are otherwise only too glad to live with.
No conversation about India and China is complete without reference to our devastating defeat of 1962, where the Chinese showed us our place. Despite stories of bravery of officers like Shaitan Singh, the general narrative about the Indo-China military history is one of ignorance, inadequacy and ineptness.
In this context, Probal Dasgupta’s narration of those 2 days in 1967 when India gave the Chinese a bloody nose, is quite heartening.
The first incident happened at Nathu La, on the border of Sikkim and Tibet. The Chinese had amassed significant troops and were looking to bully the Indians into giving up strategic positions on the mountains. The Indians, under the leadership of Major General Sagat Singh, refused to cow down. Despite early setbacks due to uncalled for bravado by some Indian soldiers and officers, Sagat Singh’s forces were able to maintain control of the important posts at Nathu La and push the Chinese back.
The battle shifted the next day to nearby Cho La. The smarting Chinese tried again to gain control of the upper ridges / peaks which would have given them a strategic oversight of Indian positions. Again, decisive leadership and excellent warfare by the Indians led to the Chinese beating retreat once again.
These skirmishes cost the Chinese 375-400 soldiers even as India lost ~100 bravehearts.
Sikkim, an Indian protectorate till 1975, has been a crucial buffer preventing the Chinese from coming too close to the Chicken’s neck at Siliguri. Hence, protecting our positions at Nathu La and Cho La had huge strategic value to thwarting any attempts of collaboration between China and Pakistan. Probal does a good job of explaining this strategic importance and its implications thereafter in the 1971 India-Pakistan war where the Chinese refused to interfere despite American encouragement.
He also highlights the psychological victory that the Indians won by holding their ground in Sikkim. It indicated to China that the Indians were no pushovers (unlike 1962) and that any future military misadventure would cost them as well.
Since the subject matter of the book is rather limited, it does seem that the author meanders a bit much into the 1965 Indo-Pak war in an attempt to build up the context of the Sino-Pak collaboration against India.
Also, the author is working to a narrative and hence ignores other challenges facing China in 1971 (such as a massive Russian engagement on their Northern border) which might have prevented the Chinese from playing a larger role.
Nevertheless, Watershed 1967 is an interesting addition to the study of Indian history post 1947. It serves to correct some of our historical perception of weakness, which we Indians are otherwise only too glad to live with.
April 1, 2021
Wow sooo much of lost history and soo thrilling. Thank you so much for your research and making this book happen.
December 5, 2021
This book can be a pamphlet. The content isn’t so long to deserve a full book. However, the story needs to be read and told
March 26, 2020
Very well written and a real page turner. A must read for any armed forces officer.
April 23, 2020
A very good book. If you ever wonder about why two of the world's most populous countries who also are rising economic powers, have never fought a war since 1962, you should read this book. It tells the amazing story of how India balanced the score with China after its defeat in 1962, and permanently stop China's propaganda of teaching India a lesson. India's victory in 1967 set the stage for future posture towards China. And the book also tells in this conflict, how decisions taken by generals and politicians set the course for decades to come. And above all, how of Lt Gen Sagat Singh, and his foresightedness, that delivered India the victory in this conflict and set stage for India's strong position in Sumdorong Chu incident in 1987.
November 29, 2020
Original review posted here https://www.reddit.com/r/IndiansRead/...
The book written by Probal Dasgupta, is about the battle of India and China in 1967. The book is really succinct and covers a lot of events. The author himself served in the Gorkha Regiment and it really shows in the writing, there's a lot of attention to detail in the battles that are described. It sheds a light on the geopolitics of the time, some key events and figures leading up to the war as well as the aftermath. The focal point is the military rather than politicians which is refreshing.
So, the book is divided into three parts: the events that led to the war of 1967, the battles themselves, and finally the analysis of the consequences. It opens up with the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. It explains why the US was essentially backing Pakistan and how Mao's cultural revolution played a role in China adopting a more nationalistic line which led up to the unpredictable war.
The second part lists the domestic issues of the time as well as China's role in supporting militant groups within India. The tension eventually builds up so much that it escalates into an armed conflict at Nathu La and Cho La. The book also talks about key figures like Lieutenant General Sagat Singh and how his decisiveness and resolve to not cede ground at Nathu La were so influential in maintaining control over the Siliguri corridor, or the chicken's neck. It meticulously describes the details of those battles and mentions several acts of the brevity of our soldiers which were significant in winning the war.
In the epilogue, the book analyzes the aftermath of those battles. The loss of 1962 had severely dented our morale. The significance, as well as the psychological advantage after winning those battles, can not be exaggerated. To summarize in author's own words:
“By showing China that India was no pushover and that the Indian army would defend India’s borders, these battles ironically were harbingers of peace. By showing China that the Sikkim sector couldn’t be breached to link up with East Pakistani forces at the other end of the Siliguri Corridor, the Indian army had made sure that Peking would never embark on such a misadventure. For China, psychological warfare was a crucial way to dominate an entire army’s strategic mind space. Nathu La and Cho La would become the inflection points of the turnaround in psychological ascendancy. Nathu La and Cho La had set the template for the next half a century and more.”
The book written by Probal Dasgupta, is about the battle of India and China in 1967. The book is really succinct and covers a lot of events. The author himself served in the Gorkha Regiment and it really shows in the writing, there's a lot of attention to detail in the battles that are described. It sheds a light on the geopolitics of the time, some key events and figures leading up to the war as well as the aftermath. The focal point is the military rather than politicians which is refreshing.
So, the book is divided into three parts: the events that led to the war of 1967, the battles themselves, and finally the analysis of the consequences. It opens up with the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. It explains why the US was essentially backing Pakistan and how Mao's cultural revolution played a role in China adopting a more nationalistic line which led up to the unpredictable war.
The second part lists the domestic issues of the time as well as China's role in supporting militant groups within India. The tension eventually builds up so much that it escalates into an armed conflict at Nathu La and Cho La. The book also talks about key figures like Lieutenant General Sagat Singh and how his decisiveness and resolve to not cede ground at Nathu La were so influential in maintaining control over the Siliguri corridor, or the chicken's neck. It meticulously describes the details of those battles and mentions several acts of the brevity of our soldiers which were significant in winning the war.
In the epilogue, the book analyzes the aftermath of those battles. The loss of 1962 had severely dented our morale. The significance, as well as the psychological advantage after winning those battles, can not be exaggerated. To summarize in author's own words:
“By showing China that India was no pushover and that the Indian army would defend India’s borders, these battles ironically were harbingers of peace. By showing China that the Sikkim sector couldn’t be breached to link up with East Pakistani forces at the other end of the Siliguri Corridor, the Indian army had made sure that Peking would never embark on such a misadventure. For China, psychological warfare was a crucial way to dominate an entire army’s strategic mind space. Nathu La and Cho La would become the inflection points of the turnaround in psychological ascendancy. Nathu La and Cho La had set the template for the next half a century and more.”
June 17, 2020
My timing couldn't have been more ill. I picked this book which is peppered with the phrase.. "India & China haven't fought a battle in fifty years" supposed to encourage a peaceful subcontinent. However, the Galwan valley incident yesterday doesn't show that would be the case.
As I was reading through this one, I found events which are eerily similar to what is happening around us today with respect to China. And I wanted to understand the Chinese psychology better.
Honestly, these two battles which the book talks about I had no clue. I didn't know if India had won any battle against China. This book mentions the reason why - China is imbibed into the psych of our entire country. Any reference to a win in 1967 will bring back memories of the humiliating defeat of 1962. Such an attitude towards history will only push to oblivion the architects who made this win possible. I will never want it to happen.
Please read. An extremely well written book.
As I was reading through this one, I found events which are eerily similar to what is happening around us today with respect to China. And I wanted to understand the Chinese psychology better.
Honestly, these two battles which the book talks about I had no clue. I didn't know if India had won any battle against China. This book mentions the reason why - China is imbibed into the psych of our entire country. Any reference to a win in 1967 will bring back memories of the humiliating defeat of 1962. Such an attitude towards history will only push to oblivion the architects who made this win possible. I will never want it to happen.
Please read. An extremely well written book.
March 20, 2020
Very well written book. It not only covers the battle of 1967, its background and consequences, but it also covers whole gambit of Indo Sino relations as well as basic Chinese strategies. Most important thing about the book is that it has been written in a very interesting manner. A must read book.
August 29, 2020
I have been tremendously privileged to have grown up in the lap of the Indian Army. Twenty years of being a Fauji Brat hasn’t altered my impression of the organisation significantly. Much of what I’ve been able to see in life has been thanks to the Army, and the experiences I have derived from it are something I cherish.
A history nut and a Fauji Brat is a deadly mix. I’d much rather visit a battlefield than a tourist place. Of course, battlefields in India are largely either inaccessible or located in sensitive areas, but visiting a place like Drass or Hussainiwala is like a pilgrimage.
It’s this interest in battlefields and battles that drew me to Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China. A year ago, I had the privilege of visiting Nathu La in East Sikkim, a pass for cross-border trade between India and China-occupied Tibet. It was at Nathu La, and at nearby Cho La, that India had dealt the Chinese a blow five years after the humiliation of the 1962 war.
Written by Maj. Probal DasGupta, the book lays out what caused the clashes, the action itself, and the aftermath.
Focussing on the storytelling rather than stating the bland facts of the matter, DasGupta takes the reader from the Middle East to the United States to the PRC in constructing the events of the book and the personalities who were centre stage in it.
DasGupta is at his strongest describing the clashes. It’s difficult to describe the lay of the land at Nathu La, even more so at Cho La, but he manages to convey the geography – a key element in any battle – rather well. Being a Fauji himself, he is able to remove the rose-tinted glasses that often colour the public perception of action on ground, and is blunt in his assessment of the events. Though a large portion of the book follows then Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh, GOC 17 Mtn Div under whose AOR the clashes took place, once battle commences, DasGupta shifts the focus to the men on the ground, officers, JCOs, and NCOs alike.
The book is peppered with what happened around the periphery of the situation at the Sikkim-Tibet border (as it was then, since Sikkim was not an Indian state) such as illegal detention and public trial of Indian diplomats in Beijing, one of whom later became the Foreign Secretary; the tit-for-tat business in Delhi with the Chinese diplomats; Atal Bihari Vajpayee taking a flock of sheep to the Chinese Embassy; the friendship of the Chogyal of Sikkim and his wife with Gen. Sagat; the General’s unwillingness to vacate Nathu La two years before the clashes, a decision which undoubtedly saved India. While these anecdotes add tremendous value to the book, certain errors of fact that creep in stick out like a sore thumb (Maj. Ranjit Dyal being called Maj. Rajinder Dayal; the oversight of calling 17 Mtn Div an Inf Div; the Battle of Jarpal being recorded as having taken place in ’65 when it actually took place in ’71; Maj. Harbhajan Singh of 18 Rajput being awarded the Vir Chakra, whereas he was actually awarded the Maha Vir Chakra). It may sound like I’m nitpicking but all of these are glaring errors, more so to anyone who has read up a little about the ’67 clashes and modern Indian military history. That apart, DasGupta has the habit of repeating himself and it’s grating to see something that was on the previous page being mentioned again as if it were new information.
Watershed 1967 is an interesting book about an unsung victory to which it does full justice in its narrative. I’d recommend reading it for that alone.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
A history nut and a Fauji Brat is a deadly mix. I’d much rather visit a battlefield than a tourist place. Of course, battlefields in India are largely either inaccessible or located in sensitive areas, but visiting a place like Drass or Hussainiwala is like a pilgrimage.
It’s this interest in battlefields and battles that drew me to Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China. A year ago, I had the privilege of visiting Nathu La in East Sikkim, a pass for cross-border trade between India and China-occupied Tibet. It was at Nathu La, and at nearby Cho La, that India had dealt the Chinese a blow five years after the humiliation of the 1962 war.
Written by Maj. Probal DasGupta, the book lays out what caused the clashes, the action itself, and the aftermath.
Focussing on the storytelling rather than stating the bland facts of the matter, DasGupta takes the reader from the Middle East to the United States to the PRC in constructing the events of the book and the personalities who were centre stage in it.
DasGupta is at his strongest describing the clashes. It’s difficult to describe the lay of the land at Nathu La, even more so at Cho La, but he manages to convey the geography – a key element in any battle – rather well. Being a Fauji himself, he is able to remove the rose-tinted glasses that often colour the public perception of action on ground, and is blunt in his assessment of the events. Though a large portion of the book follows then Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh, GOC 17 Mtn Div under whose AOR the clashes took place, once battle commences, DasGupta shifts the focus to the men on the ground, officers, JCOs, and NCOs alike.
The book is peppered with what happened around the periphery of the situation at the Sikkim-Tibet border (as it was then, since Sikkim was not an Indian state) such as illegal detention and public trial of Indian diplomats in Beijing, one of whom later became the Foreign Secretary; the tit-for-tat business in Delhi with the Chinese diplomats; Atal Bihari Vajpayee taking a flock of sheep to the Chinese Embassy; the friendship of the Chogyal of Sikkim and his wife with Gen. Sagat; the General’s unwillingness to vacate Nathu La two years before the clashes, a decision which undoubtedly saved India. While these anecdotes add tremendous value to the book, certain errors of fact that creep in stick out like a sore thumb (Maj. Ranjit Dyal being called Maj. Rajinder Dayal; the oversight of calling 17 Mtn Div an Inf Div; the Battle of Jarpal being recorded as having taken place in ’65 when it actually took place in ’71; Maj. Harbhajan Singh of 18 Rajput being awarded the Vir Chakra, whereas he was actually awarded the Maha Vir Chakra). It may sound like I’m nitpicking but all of these are glaring errors, more so to anyone who has read up a little about the ’67 clashes and modern Indian military history. That apart, DasGupta has the habit of repeating himself and it’s grating to see something that was on the previous page being mentioned again as if it were new information.
Watershed 1967 is an interesting book about an unsung victory to which it does full justice in its narrative. I’d recommend reading it for that alone.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
May 28, 2020
Summary:
Watershed 1967 : talks about a few usual standoffs between the Indian and Chinese military along the excruciating terrains of the Himalayas that quickly flared up into a series of gunfire and artillery battles and ended with India's decisive victory (albeit of a small nature), that was quite needed after the humiliation India suffered in 1962 Indo China war.
My review : But let me tell you, Probal Dasgupta (a retired army officer) does a lot more than he says. He pens down a beautiful and engaging narration that traces the transition of India's military capabilities from the humiliation of 1962 to one of the most significant victories since WW2 against Pakistan in 1971.
Historically, India never showed any intention of conquering foreign land and display its military machoism and that led a lot of people believe in the civilisation superiority theory, including the likes of Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Richard Nixon, Kissinger, Mao Zedong etc. They firmly believed that Indians are generally coward and don't have inherent military skills to win a war. The ambiguous results of 1947-48 war with Pakistan and a clear defeat in hands of China in 1962 cemented that belief in them.
India's blitzkrieg against Pakistan in 1965 that got them as deep as Lahore and later these standoffs at Nathu La, Cho La, and Jelep La during 1965-67s were a great shock to all of India's neighbours, and the 71 victory announced in clear terms to the world what Indian military is capable of (that is, literally dividing a country into two). The author narrates this significant transition of India's military potential, that would later guide her foreign policy as well, very beautifully.
This book is filled with descriptions of the bold leadership of a few army officers who, at times even defied rules and orders and soldiers displaying their raw strength and unwavering patriotism.
Recommend it to everyone. It's important, even from the perspective of geopolitics in South Asia.
Watershed 1967 : talks about a few usual standoffs between the Indian and Chinese military along the excruciating terrains of the Himalayas that quickly flared up into a series of gunfire and artillery battles and ended with India's decisive victory (albeit of a small nature), that was quite needed after the humiliation India suffered in 1962 Indo China war.
My review : But let me tell you, Probal Dasgupta (a retired army officer) does a lot more than he says. He pens down a beautiful and engaging narration that traces the transition of India's military capabilities from the humiliation of 1962 to one of the most significant victories since WW2 against Pakistan in 1971.
Historically, India never showed any intention of conquering foreign land and display its military machoism and that led a lot of people believe in the civilisation superiority theory, including the likes of Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Richard Nixon, Kissinger, Mao Zedong etc. They firmly believed that Indians are generally coward and don't have inherent military skills to win a war. The ambiguous results of 1947-48 war with Pakistan and a clear defeat in hands of China in 1962 cemented that belief in them.
India's blitzkrieg against Pakistan in 1965 that got them as deep as Lahore and later these standoffs at Nathu La, Cho La, and Jelep La during 1965-67s were a great shock to all of India's neighbours, and the 71 victory announced in clear terms to the world what Indian military is capable of (that is, literally dividing a country into two). The author narrates this significant transition of India's military potential, that would later guide her foreign policy as well, very beautifully.
This book is filled with descriptions of the bold leadership of a few army officers who, at times even defied rules and orders and soldiers displaying their raw strength and unwavering patriotism.
Recommend it to everyone. It's important, even from the perspective of geopolitics in South Asia.
October 27, 2020
Book - Watershed 1967: India's Forgotten Victory Over China
Written by - Probal Dasgupta
Published by – Juggernaut
I wish this book was made free for every Indian, after reading this it would pump up their respective chest with pride learning the undaunted valor shown by the brave hearts of our army at the battle of Nathu La and Cho La in 1967. The decade of 60s was not appropriate for India, while we were still recovering from the scars of 1962 Sino-India war and was enervated, Pakistan has etched a bold plan to assault from the western border and had coaxed China to do the same from the eastern front.
This book is a testimony to the courageous plan of the visionary General Sagat Singh and his men, who had earlier successfully liberated Goa from the Portuguese domination. Sikkim, nestled in the snow clad Himalayan region was an Indian protectorate state, it was here where the battles of Nathu La and later Cho La was fought in the precipitous terrain. Fencing of the border in the Indian side resulted in the initial clashes and it finally culminated into a internecine battle, in which India had an upper hand. This time our troops were prepared though not equipped well with logistics but with unwavering determination to teach Chinese a lesson. This book also sheds light on other political events such as the Maoist rebellion in Bengal, annexation of Sikkim, insurgency days in Mizoram, India’s move in the Bangladesh Liberation war and India’s bitter diplomatic ties with the US during President Nixon’s tenure. The writer has taken pain-staking effort to compile data with a facetious narration and dexterous skill in writing, it makes a gripping read. The Chinese had tasted defeat in both the battles, the reason they have not gone on a full scale war even after 50 years !
#watershed1967 #nathula #chola
Reviewed by Get the facts History
Instagram - @getthefactshistory
#getthefactshistorybookreviews
Written by - Probal Dasgupta
Published by – Juggernaut
I wish this book was made free for every Indian, after reading this it would pump up their respective chest with pride learning the undaunted valor shown by the brave hearts of our army at the battle of Nathu La and Cho La in 1967. The decade of 60s was not appropriate for India, while we were still recovering from the scars of 1962 Sino-India war and was enervated, Pakistan has etched a bold plan to assault from the western border and had coaxed China to do the same from the eastern front.
This book is a testimony to the courageous plan of the visionary General Sagat Singh and his men, who had earlier successfully liberated Goa from the Portuguese domination. Sikkim, nestled in the snow clad Himalayan region was an Indian protectorate state, it was here where the battles of Nathu La and later Cho La was fought in the precipitous terrain. Fencing of the border in the Indian side resulted in the initial clashes and it finally culminated into a internecine battle, in which India had an upper hand. This time our troops were prepared though not equipped well with logistics but with unwavering determination to teach Chinese a lesson. This book also sheds light on other political events such as the Maoist rebellion in Bengal, annexation of Sikkim, insurgency days in Mizoram, India’s move in the Bangladesh Liberation war and India’s bitter diplomatic ties with the US during President Nixon’s tenure. The writer has taken pain-staking effort to compile data with a facetious narration and dexterous skill in writing, it makes a gripping read. The Chinese had tasted defeat in both the battles, the reason they have not gone on a full scale war even after 50 years !
#watershed1967 #nathula #chola
Reviewed by Get the facts History
Instagram - @getthefactshistory
#getthefactshistorybookreviews
September 23, 2023
"A watershed is a basin-like land form defined by high points that descends into lower elevations and stream valleys. Water poured on any part of the watershed would naturally run of into a common deepest point. The border passes of Nathu La, Cho La and Jelep La, between Sikkim and China, were long, narrow watersheds."
.
The book on Watershed 1967 is an extensive research on the battle fought between India and China at Nathu La and Cho La (Sikkim), and thereby India's victory over China.
The situation back then in 1962 was totally different from the current 1967 post-war celebrations. After being politically and militarily defeated by China in 1962 war, India was set to strengthen its defense power by acquiring weapons and manpower.
In between the loss and victory, there are lots of elements that played essential part of the journey. The rising forces from neighbouring countries had put India under several threats and despite that, India fought back well. From being attacked by Pakistan, fights between country's own people, political uncertainties, Sikkim's monarchy to Sagat Singh lead Army troop and its effectiveness in gaining victory and history, India's bravery had outshine through all the major up and downs.
.
The book is majorly divided into three sections. The 1st section narrated the 1962 post-war scenarios including 1965 Indo- Pak war. The 2nd one elaborated the events after 1965 battle and commencement of historic Indo-China war of 1967. The concluding part was all about the aftermath of the last battle between them.
The narration of the book was kept simple yet intriguingly informative with necessary citations. The related images were a boon of course. The author through his outstanding compilation of the contents has provided us with the much needed information source, and remembering those unsung heroes of their bravery and patriotism that being narrated in the book.
.
The book on Watershed 1967 is an extensive research on the battle fought between India and China at Nathu La and Cho La (Sikkim), and thereby India's victory over China.
The situation back then in 1962 was totally different from the current 1967 post-war celebrations. After being politically and militarily defeated by China in 1962 war, India was set to strengthen its defense power by acquiring weapons and manpower.
In between the loss and victory, there are lots of elements that played essential part of the journey. The rising forces from neighbouring countries had put India under several threats and despite that, India fought back well. From being attacked by Pakistan, fights between country's own people, political uncertainties, Sikkim's monarchy to Sagat Singh lead Army troop and its effectiveness in gaining victory and history, India's bravery had outshine through all the major up and downs.
.
The book is majorly divided into three sections. The 1st section narrated the 1962 post-war scenarios including 1965 Indo- Pak war. The 2nd one elaborated the events after 1965 battle and commencement of historic Indo-China war of 1967. The concluding part was all about the aftermath of the last battle between them.
The narration of the book was kept simple yet intriguingly informative with necessary citations. The related images were a boon of course. The author through his outstanding compilation of the contents has provided us with the much needed information source, and remembering those unsung heroes of their bravery and patriotism that being narrated in the book.
December 5, 2022
After a defeat and losing a substantial part of Aksai Chin ( part of Kashmir region in the north east Indian subcontinent) to China in 1962 war, the overconfident China thought of attacking another vulnerable part of the Kingdom of Sikkim, the then Indian protectorate. After a series of thorough provocation and intimidation, the troops at Cho La and Nathu La pass clashed, later to be known as the Sino - India war of 1967. After suffering heavy casualties from both sides, India was successful in pushing the Chinese troops from the invaded territory. According to the intelligence the Chinese planned to use this remotely isolated yet strategically important Indian posts to their advantage to escalate tension against India after their hopeful victory.
In spite of the tactical victory and intense act of valour by our armed forces in the region with extreme temperatures, this important war did not receive much recognition and hence was lost in the pages of history. This book recounts the period of utmost border tensions from China and Pakistan who claimed to be allies against India. It briefs us about the background of the 1962 war and its significance to the 1967 war.
Colloquial narration of the true battle scenes and war related setup, this book is not only smooth but captivating to read. The purpose of this book is to highlight the story of valour and courage for the motherland. The author has introduced the army personnel and their courageous feats during the war that led them to their martyrdom but won us the war. Reading this book made me proud of my nation that has such a glorious and stout- hearted history. Do read this book. Highly recommended.
In spite of the tactical victory and intense act of valour by our armed forces in the region with extreme temperatures, this important war did not receive much recognition and hence was lost in the pages of history. This book recounts the period of utmost border tensions from China and Pakistan who claimed to be allies against India. It briefs us about the background of the 1962 war and its significance to the 1967 war.
Colloquial narration of the true battle scenes and war related setup, this book is not only smooth but captivating to read. The purpose of this book is to highlight the story of valour and courage for the motherland. The author has introduced the army personnel and their courageous feats during the war that led them to their martyrdom but won us the war. Reading this book made me proud of my nation that has such a glorious and stout- hearted history. Do read this book. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2020
So I picked this one after accidently stumbling upon one of the interviews of the author and the timing couldn't be any more relatable. With ongoing reporting on India-China standoff, it is a no brainer that the narrative of a debacle in 1962 seems to have somehow occupied the subconscious psyche of Indians. But, what's really unexplainable is that nobody talks about what transpired between both these nations in 1967. Infact, this incident rarely finds its mention in textbooks.
This is a brilliant attempt by the author in bringing something to light which seems to have been deliberately ignored in mainstream recollection. The overall setting of the writing gives a feel akin to what one usually gets while going through thriller novels with pieces unfolding one after the other. And this book does justice to the farsightedness and exemplary leadership shown by Lieutenant General Sagat Singh in making sure that Indians gave a befitting reply to the Chinese in adverse circumstances, even though at times, it meant not succumbing to the orders given by the high command. I think, this book provides a unique perspective in evaluating the events which have transpired in the subcontinent between the two adversaries over the years especially in context of what is going in between them at present in Ladakh. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone interested in international politics and contemporary Indian military history.
This is a brilliant attempt by the author in bringing something to light which seems to have been deliberately ignored in mainstream recollection. The overall setting of the writing gives a feel akin to what one usually gets while going through thriller novels with pieces unfolding one after the other. And this book does justice to the farsightedness and exemplary leadership shown by Lieutenant General Sagat Singh in making sure that Indians gave a befitting reply to the Chinese in adverse circumstances, even though at times, it meant not succumbing to the orders given by the high command. I think, this book provides a unique perspective in evaluating the events which have transpired in the subcontinent between the two adversaries over the years especially in context of what is going in between them at present in Ladakh. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone interested in international politics and contemporary Indian military history.
August 24, 2020
This is an important book for the student of military history as well as for all Indians, who will come to know how the soldiers of the Indian Army at forbidding altitudes on the LAC held their own against an enemy bent on subjugating them to his will. These forgotten battles are important for many reasons. They showed to the Chinese soldiers that the Indian Army was no pushover and could hold its own; they created a sense of pride among our troops; they secured the Sikkim Watershed and further protected the National Vital Ground of the Siliguri Corridor; they ensured that the LAC remained quiescent for nearly 50 years and draw an important lesson as our Army again faces a resurgent China. They also established the reputation of Major General Sagat Singh (later Lieutenant General) for his courage and implacable will which was proved many times over in the 1971 War. The Author has carried out meticulous research to bring to our notice these battles and has given a template as the LAC is now activated. The general public should be made aware about our Army's achievements and this the Author has set out to do. He deserves credit and I recommend that this book be read in civil and Military circles. It develops in us a sense of pride and gratitude as well as strengthens our resolve for the future.
July 24, 2020
A fascinating account of India-China Conflict on the borders of Sikkim and its huge impact on the future of geopolitics in the region. The book provides background information before getting into the account of the conflict. It starts with years after the 1962 India-China war and the changing political scenario in India with a new Prime Minister. Accounts have been provided in the book which explains the support to insurgents in North-East by China with the help of East Pakistan to weaken India from inside and then Pakistan's aggression in Kashmir in 1965 forcing India to open second front on the western border. The deteriorating diplomatic situation between India and China has also been covered. There are many more such details which lead to the 1967 battle at the Sikkim border.
The author has also covered the post battle impact on the geopolitics of the region in the last section of the book.
The author has a fluid writing style and he has been able to present this account in a thrilling fashion.
This book is a must read for all history buffs and provides valuable information to help understand India-China relations.
The author has also covered the post battle impact on the geopolitics of the region in the last section of the book.
The author has a fluid writing style and he has been able to present this account in a thrilling fashion.
This book is a must read for all history buffs and provides valuable information to help understand India-China relations.
September 21, 2020
Another gem from Juggernaut. What I learnt from the book :-
A) India defeated China in a mini-War in 1967 fought on the Sikkim border. This has HUGE implications on how we perceive 1950 (Tibet annexation by China) , 1962 (which I am now curious to read).
B) The book was written in 2017 and the author credits that the strategy used to win 1967 has helped India deal confidently with our eternal bully and uncivilised neighbour - China.
C) China threatened India in 1965 but remained silent despite being egged-on against India by USA in the 1971 war.
D) India finally integrated Sikkim after a few years and secured access to its North-east states without much noise from China.
While I have not followed the news in detail wrt China’s bullying in 2020 in Ladakh, this seems simply a repeat of the standard bullying by barbarian China. And personally I think being a nuclear power we must give up “No first use” policy and prepare tactical nukes with neighbours like Pakistan and China. 1967 brought us peace for 50 years. Maybe it is time to buy peace again.
A) India defeated China in a mini-War in 1967 fought on the Sikkim border. This has HUGE implications on how we perceive 1950 (Tibet annexation by China) , 1962 (which I am now curious to read).
B) The book was written in 2017 and the author credits that the strategy used to win 1967 has helped India deal confidently with our eternal bully and uncivilised neighbour - China.
C) China threatened India in 1965 but remained silent despite being egged-on against India by USA in the 1971 war.
D) India finally integrated Sikkim after a few years and secured access to its North-east states without much noise from China.
While I have not followed the news in detail wrt China’s bullying in 2020 in Ladakh, this seems simply a repeat of the standard bullying by barbarian China. And personally I think being a nuclear power we must give up “No first use” policy and prepare tactical nukes with neighbours like Pakistan and China. 1967 brought us peace for 50 years. Maybe it is time to buy peace again.
January 1, 2023
Watershed 1967 introduces us to one of the most ignored and unread sequence of events that shaped the relationship between two countries,India and China.It briefs us about the two important battles that took place at Nathu La and Cho La.
Whoever bears a little interest in Indian history knows very well about India's lost battle against China in 1962.This book explains us the strategies that the Indian armed forces followed to fight against the Chinese to save the very important part of India.Not only was India successful is defending it's land,the result of these war always played a great role in Sino-Indian diplomatic relationship from then on.The book also highlight the Indian heroes who played huge role during these difficult times.
Although books involving war scenes are not much clear most of the time,this book was written much better than any other.It also had a map that makes us understand the landmarks and land masses in a much better way.Feels like a thoroughly researched book which is blended perfectly with the art of storytelling.
Whoever bears a little interest in Indian history knows very well about India's lost battle against China in 1962.This book explains us the strategies that the Indian armed forces followed to fight against the Chinese to save the very important part of India.Not only was India successful is defending it's land,the result of these war always played a great role in Sino-Indian diplomatic relationship from then on.The book also highlight the Indian heroes who played huge role during these difficult times.
Although books involving war scenes are not much clear most of the time,this book was written much better than any other.It also had a map that makes us understand the landmarks and land masses in a much better way.Feels like a thoroughly researched book which is blended perfectly with the art of storytelling.
December 25, 2022
The author has a knack of storytelling and uses simple and easy to understand language without any jargons. Very lucidly explains in a chronological manner the events and important incidents that led to the 1967 Watershed battles. The story of courage of these vicious battles at the watershed are an inspiration and deserve to be told to all.
The author stresses upon a very important aspect which many tend to ignore or miss - no military victory can be achieved without the perfect harmony, cooperation and synchronization of the 3 important arms of national power - political, diplomatic and military. The author also highlights another important event ie 1986 Sumdrong Chu Stand Off - another example of mutual trust & cooperation between the political, diplomatic and military hierarchy.
The reason why the book misses out on a 5 star rating is because at places the author tends to be repetitive.
On the whole a fantastic read !
The author stresses upon a very important aspect which many tend to ignore or miss - no military victory can be achieved without the perfect harmony, cooperation and synchronization of the 3 important arms of national power - political, diplomatic and military. The author also highlights another important event ie 1986 Sumdrong Chu Stand Off - another example of mutual trust & cooperation between the political, diplomatic and military hierarchy.
The reason why the book misses out on a 5 star rating is because at places the author tends to be repetitive.
On the whole a fantastic read !
March 26, 2020
A good account of a forgotten chapter in India - China story and India's martial history.
The 1967 'skirmishes' was only the beginning . China was finally boxed in (the repercussions of the cultural revolution, the Sino - Soviet faceoff) and it finally put an end to any serious Chinese misadventure on India's north eastern front. So much so that China refused any serious move in the 1971 war despite their all weather friend Pakistan being hammered in Bangladesh. India and its Army entered the the 70s much more confident and prepared , notwithstanding the terrible defeat in 1962.
The descriptions of the battles at Nathu La and Cho La are riveting. My only gripe ( as with many war story books - NOT ENOUGH MAPS) !
The book provides a good introduction prior to 1967 as well as after, so the reader is fully aware of the context.
The 1967 'skirmishes' was only the beginning . China was finally boxed in (the repercussions of the cultural revolution, the Sino - Soviet faceoff) and it finally put an end to any serious Chinese misadventure on India's north eastern front. So much so that China refused any serious move in the 1971 war despite their all weather friend Pakistan being hammered in Bangladesh. India and its Army entered the the 70s much more confident and prepared , notwithstanding the terrible defeat in 1962.
The descriptions of the battles at Nathu La and Cho La are riveting. My only gripe ( as with many war story books - NOT ENOUGH MAPS) !
The book provides a good introduction prior to 1967 as well as after, so the reader is fully aware of the context.
August 29, 2020
A very engaging book that lays out how India changed the game during 1965-1968 against Chinese dominance versus India that stemmed from the latter's 1962 defeat (thanks to political weakness). The book underscores the importance of India' 1967 tactical victory and how it has shaped our relation with China since then - no major war or bullets fired till now thanks to the new equation set by India.
I am sure the recent Galwan Valley incident will only bolster India's assertiveness vs. the dragon.
A must read for every Indian kid and become aware of these sweet victories, however tactical & limited they may be, against the belligerent neighbour. Respect to Gen.Sagat Singh and all the warriors who were involved in these engagements. Jai Hind
I am sure the recent Galwan Valley incident will only bolster India's assertiveness vs. the dragon.
A must read for every Indian kid and become aware of these sweet victories, however tactical & limited they may be, against the belligerent neighbour. Respect to Gen.Sagat Singh and all the warriors who were involved in these engagements. Jai Hind
June 11, 2020
This is a must read book for anyone looking to know about the India-China 1967 war. Not sure why we only remember 1962 defeat & not 1967 win. Probal has really made this book into a fantastic read about the situation during Indian border in 1960's.
Many thanks to Probal for shedding light on inspiring leader like Sagat Singh & the key role played during this war. India will always remain indebted to such military leader who fight against all odds to protect this Country.
The win of 1967 not only level the score with China but also had an impact on the outcome of 1971 war, integration of Sikkim etc.
Jai Hind
Many thanks to Probal for shedding light on inspiring leader like Sagat Singh & the key role played during this war. India will always remain indebted to such military leader who fight against all odds to protect this Country.
The win of 1967 not only level the score with China but also had an impact on the outcome of 1971 war, integration of Sikkim etc.
Jai Hind
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