Prejudice & Pride: School Histories of the Freedom Struggle in India and Pakistan

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin Books India

• Author: Krishna Kumar

• Language: English

• Edition: Latest

• ISBN: 9780143029052

• Pages: 288

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches

About the Book

In Prejudice and Pride, Krishna Kumar takes an insightful look into the differing narratives of the freedom struggle in India and Pakistan, as presented in school textbooks. Despite their shared history, the two nations recount their struggle for independence in drastically different ways. Kumar's examination reveals how these histories are selectively narrated for ideological and cultural reasons, with textbooks in both countries offering contrasting perspectives on key events like the 1857 Rebellion, Independence, and Partition, as well as on prominent figures such as Gandhi, Jinnah, and Iqbal.

The book goes beyond historical analysis to include a fascinating study of essays written by schoolchildren in both India and Pakistan on the topic of Partition. These essays, vibrant and unfiltered, offer personal reflections on themes such as the futility of war, Kashmir, and the shared love for cricket—providing a window into the youthful and hopeful attitudes toward reconciliation between the two nations.

Original and objective, Prejudice and Pride offers surprising insights into how history, education, and national identities shape the perceptions of young people. This thought-provoking work will engage both academicians and general readers, particularly those interested in South Asian history, education, and the complex relationship between India and Pakistan.