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Book Review
Indo-Pakistan relations
REASSESSING PAKISTAN — Role of Two-Nation Theory: Anand K. Verma; Lancer Publishers and Distributors, 56, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi-110049. Rs. 495.
THERE IS no dearth of literature on the two-nation theory. Social scientists, historians, journalists and politicians of all hues and shades have been articulating on this ever since the Lahore Resolution of March, 1940 of the Muslim League. The book under review is one more addition to the existing literature on this highly sensitive and explosive subject. It contains only 159 pages and the inclusion of 10 appendices of easily available documents consume another 108 pages, which give a reasonable size to the monograph.
The two-nation theory has been examined by scholars belonging to different religions and nations and their views generally depend on their socio-political affiliation. Their opinions and explications were neither neutral nor objective. Anand K. Verma's reassessment too is not free from value judgments or sweeping generalisations. He himself has admitted, "The academic's approach has not been followed, in the writing of this paper though care has been taken to identify sources when making value judgment." Unlike many of his predecessors he is quite frank to call the dog by its name and hang it.
The author's views on the role of the two-nation theory is as follows: "The limited function of the two nation theory was only to create Pakistan. It became a tool of political expediency in the quest for higher empowerment (for Muslims). It was now given a historical foothold by converting it into an ideology of Islam, which became the guiding philosophy of Pakistan. Islam and the armed forces have become the two pillars on which the state of Pakistan rests. Islamisation and Shariatisation bring forth groups like Jamait-e-Islami, Jamait-ul-ullema etc., in the forefront of the polity and politics of Pakistan. As Allah is the Sovereign and not the people, which has enabled the armed forces to step into the seat of power, which they, thereafter never left. The two-nation theory has no precedent in history or justification in political science."
"Pakistan rests its claims to Kashmir on the two-nation theory, not on law of any kind. It has gone to great lengths to wrest Kashmir. Pakistan's ISI is trying to encircle India with a web of insurgencies in the north and north-east. The ISI's aim now is to destroy the cultural and secular integrity of India and to raise jehad against India to pan-Islamic levels. The animus felt by the controllers of Pakistani destiny will not disappear even if a solution to Kashmir is found on their terms. (So) The Indian approach should be to catch the bull by the horns and call a spade a spade."
The book is a mine of information on Indo-Pakistan relations. Besides an excellent executive summary as a prologue and the conclusions (chapter VII) as an epilogue, make the reader's job easy, in understanding Verma's views on the role of two-nation theory.
The book carries seven chapters and each chapter examines a theme in its historical perspective. The germination of Pakistan, discussed in chapter II, traces the history of Muslim conquest from 712 AD. The author has covered critically the contributions of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, Moulana Mohammad Ali and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
There are many debatable points in the book and one may not agree or endorse all that has been said by the author. To cite, a few for example, the assertion that "Conversion to Islam was from among the low castes of Hindus," "Syed Ahmed Khan's involvement with the interests of the Muslim Community was apolitical." Historians and political scientists may not agree with these observations in toto.
However in a subject of this nature, it is difficult to find uniformity of views among social scientists, whose opinion depends on their socio-political affiliation, intellectual sophistication and maturity of mind. The author is not guilty of having his own views and opinions. While discussing the two-nation theory in chapter VI, his citing the breaking away of Bangladesh as a rejection of the two-nation theory, may not have many takers.
On the whole, it is a good book on Indo-Pakistan relations. The nine "commandments" given at the end of the concluding chapter, for finding a permanent solution to the Indo-Pakistan animosity deserve examination by our policy makers.
The proposal to establish a first rate autonomous institute for research on Pakistan is a good move and after all charity begins at home. The author's seventh proposal towards mobilising public opinion in India against proxy war and jehad is an excellent one.
The whole sub-continent must give up its medieval mind and work towards "modernism, pragmatism, humanism and universalism." However it is to be borne in mind that those who live in glasshouses or attempt to build glasshouses shall not throw stones at others.
C. A. PERUMAL
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