Pakistan- the Formative Phase 1857--1948

by Khalid B. Sayeed, George Cunningham (Foreword)

Not just a historical narrative, The Formative Phase evaluates the strength and weakness of the Muslim separatist movement that eventually culminated in the creation of Pakistan. In addition to the basic theme of the Muslim nationalist movement, Khalid Sayeed has also focused on the working and development of the British vice-regal system, and argues that the vice-regal system that Pakistan inherited from the British sustained Pakistan through the on-going political and cultural tensions that it has faced ever since its establishment.

Genres: Pakistan, History, Politics, India

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Hamza Zahoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is one hell of literature written about the creation of Pakistan, this field of studies started with the inception of the country and continues till today. Every person has a certain bias, and he or she sees the world through that particular bias. This phenomena is quite universal, almost everybody is under its spell. The creation of Pakistan proves to be such phenomenon, let it be people with secular tendencies or religious inclination, everybody describes this event in such a way which suits their worldview.
This book is included in CSS syllabus, that’s where I first came to hear about it. This book has been laying on my table for two years, I wasn’t be able to read it due to one reason or another. But when I started reading it, I never put it back and it was worth it.
This book starts with the 1857 and proceeds in chronological order up to 1947 and finishes on death of Jinnah. This was published in late 60’s, so this feat saves it from the Post Zia syndrome or even Post Bhutto syndrome- In era in which text books were altered to serve a particular narrative and more than half of our population takes these books on its face value.
The most appealing part of this book is that the author interviewed a lot of people, such as Governors, Viceroys, as well as important politicians, who were directly involved in Partition either in one way or another. This particular feat gives a very crucial edge over all other books which are published later on the similar topic.
The last part of the book deals with the rise of Muslim League, from not winning any substantial seats in ’37 election to winning majority in ’46 election at least in Muslim majority provinces, and the downfall of Muslim League after the Partition. The main reasons of the downfall were that it was composed mainly of landed gentry, they had no experience in any form governance prior to partition, the whole league was transformed into a cult, Jinnah being the Messiah, and the upper as well as lower cadre of leadership was never allowed to grow as independent individuals, as a result they were wholly dependent on Jinnah. During the campaign for Pakistan Muslim League used Religious symbols, targeting the rural population of Punjab as well as NWFP, and proposed Economic opportunities, for the educated urban population who knew that in Un-divided India they had to compete more educated as well as more skilled Hindu population for jobs.
The author is on point when he describes that the aforementioned causes hampered the growth of Democracy in the early and when the euphoria of Partition was over the deep differences popped up and the incumbent leadership was not being able to solve those problems. The death of Jinnah proved to be the final nail in the coffin. To sum it up this book is a must for everyone who wants to understand the genesis of Idea of Pakistan and the problems which we find ourselves engulfed even today.

[Omama. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, documented and impartial account of the formative phase of Pakistan; taking 1857 as the starting point, the author, himself a political scientist, has produced a detailed history of Muslim political movement in the subcontinent, which began during the late 19th century under Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan, until partition; all the while shedding a particular amount of light on the personality of Jinnah, which is rare in other books of the same kind.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The central thesis of is that the Muslim separatist movement, more than Hindu exclusiveness was the primary force leading to the creation of Pakistan. Though, short-sightedness or Congress errors did propel the Muslim demand for a nation, however, it was the demand for a separate political existence on the basis of Muslim nationalism that culminated Pakistan into existence.

Moreover, the seeds of separatism planted by Sir Syed's intellectual arguments matured, evolved, and gained undeniable traction, eventually emerging as a full-blown nationalist movement with Jinnah at the forefront. The demand was formally articulated in 1940 as the official declaration of demand of Pakistan. According to Sayeed, the deliberated ambiguity in 1940's resolution, while strategically advantageous in the short term, ultimately laid down the groundwork for future disagreements. By keeping the language broad it was able to unite various Muslim groups under the banner of Pakistan, but the lack of clarity also meant that there are bound to be clashed down the road. Hence, Sayeed argues, in this moment of apparent triumph, the potential for conflicts and division were already woven into the narrative. Like any historical event, it was a complex intersection of occurrences with multifaceted consequences - both intended and unintended -that rippled through time. These complexities became more apparent as we get closer to 1947. The period of partition marked with escalating polarization, breakdown of negotiations, and a horrifying surge in communal violence. This reminds that how fragile peace can be when its strained by deep rooted religious and cultural tensions. The human cost was just staggering - millions displaced, countless lives lost - the scars left by partition shaped the subcontinent of today.

Sayeed is not just interested in retelling history. He's using these events as a lens to examine the deeper dynamics at play - the ideas, motivations, and lasting effects of how Pakistan came into being. Its not just about what happened but why it happened.

In the end, Sayeed gives a short analysis of Jinnah's role in post-partitioned Pakistan. Sayeed does not shy away from inherent contradictions. He acknowledges that Jinnah's action of centralisation as GG was driven by a desire to ensure the nation's survival. But it also laid the foundation for more centralized and authoritarian political structure. This tension between democratic ideals and pragmatism was the paradox of newly independent nation state. These choices of early political leaders shaped the political landscape and order of early Pakistan.

[Ali Yasir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich text equipped with logical arguments and authentic references. Touring over historical events precisely, K. B. Sayeed reaches to the conclusion that the creation of Pakistan was neither a British conspiracy nor an accidental demand by Muslims. Rather it was the logical conclusion of Quaid e Azam's struggle which was disciplined and constitutional in its essence. Its quite mesmerizing to read how he played his cards wisely, and developed Muslim League into a political force unimaginable in its initial stage.

From sharing Ministry with his political opponents to concentrating all the powers in his hands, he went through a political path objectionable to many historians. But these historians neglect that those were the abnormal times, and abnormal tactics were the need of the hour to meet his political objective.

Over all, its quite a revealing book and a must read if you want to know how it all started and ended.

[Sundus · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent book!
The story of Pakistan is written here with a very thorough lens, a confident unbiased brave pen with straight forward but very comprehensive views on all the factors that an intelligent mind could infer from the given history and course of events, and ofcourse, after interviews from all the important officials associated with the British rule in India and the freedom movement until after Partition happened*.

I say happened* and not achieved, because you cannot, you simply cannot help but feel the *divine hand* helping the nationalist movements by constantly paving the way like a shepherd would guide his herd by channelizing the flock and preventing it from any distractions. It indeed is a master plan executed. What a humbling realization. 🇵🇰
Bless you homeland, bless your architect and all the workforce that worked tirelessly to turn you into a reality! ❤

[Iqra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbiased!

[Hamza]

it could be benificial for the current knowledge in this era
in every field of life

[Shakeel Mengal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pakistan: The Formative Phase 1857-1948 book written by Khalid Bin Sayeed. This book explores the political, social and ideological developments leading to the creation of Pakistan. This book starts with the decline of Mughal empire(in very short) and the aftermath of 1857 rebellion. It highlights key figures like Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, who promoted modern education for Muslims and Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
One thing I like the most about author is that he has explained the role of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan very well.

Furthermore the author writes about the rise of Muslim political consciousness which is traced through the foundation of the All India Muslim League and Muhammad Ali Jinnah's transformation into the leading advocate for a separate Muslim state. Also, this book focuses on how British colonialism, the development of Muslim political consciousness and the evolving Indian nationalist movements shaped the formation of Pakistan.

The book concludes with the partition of India in 1947, leading to the creation of Pakistan and also briefly touched the on post independence challenges. And also highlights Jinnah as Governor General of Pakistan.

Note: like any historical work, the perception of bias can depend on the reader's perspective and broader historiographical context. I think it is a helpful book to understand the pre partition scenario which leads to the partition.

In rate this book 7/10

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has lots of good information but it's very poorly written. The author struggles to form a cohesive narrative, fails to provide key details, and often dedicates too much time to irrelevant details.

Specifically on neglecting key details, chapter 4.2 is supposed to be about the Lahore Resolution. The author spends the entire chapter discussing the various theories that end up influencing the resolution as well as the impact of the vagueness of the resolution. However, he literally does not discuss what the actual resolution was. Maybe he anticipated his target audience would already be aware of major events, but those kinds of assumptions make this a poor reference for someone trying to learn.

I'm going to push through because I am learning a lot. Just wish it was written better.

[Sahib Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine

[AlvEe ALi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read this book

[M Shoaib Khan]

Want to read

[Asra Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

not working

[Zulqurnain Cheema]

Great is a very cheap word for this book as the writer has covered all the most important links in formative phase of Pakistan is such comprehensive and non biased way that it's just amazing.

[Huzaifa Javed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khalid b.Sayeed has given a clear insight on what led to the creation of Pakistan, not leaving a single main event out.

[Nadeem Kashif Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Unbiased and thorough-in depth analysis of formative years of Pakistan!

[Noor Fatima]

its goog

[Usman]

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[Maira Younas]

i want to read that book