Sam Dalrymple’s unexpected journey from aspiring particle physicist to historian was sparked by a family trip to Afghanistan to view the Bamiyan Buddha remnants. This experience ignited a passion for history, leading him to embark on a virtual reality project called Project Dastaan, which connects Partition survivors. The project inspired his debut book, “Shattered Lands,” which delves into the disintegration of the Indian empire.
In a recent interview, Dalrymple explained that his exploration of five major partitions—including those of Burma, Arabia, and Pakistan from India, alongside the division of 500 princely states and the formation of Bangladesh—originated from his efforts with Dastaan. During his research on the impact of Partition on Tripura and Northeast India, he realized the complexity of these historical events, driven by a conversation where an academic mentioned multiple partitions, prompting Dalrymple to consider their lasting impact on the region.
His book challenges a common misconception that Cyril Radcliffe alone dictated the borders of India, clarifying that local princes played a significant role in the process, particularly along the Indian-Pakistani border. These princes’ decisions shaped a substantial portion of the modern borders, marking the significance of local governance in historical narratives.
Dalrymple’s chapter on the Arabian Peninsula links the British withdrawal from Aden to the rise of Dhirubhai Ambani and the evolution of the Reliance Corporation. He notes how these historical contexts are essential for understanding contemporary issues in India and Pakistan, especially given the current geopolitical tensions. Dalrymple offers a unique perspective by reminding readers that the historical animosities between nations were not always so entrenched — they are relatively recent developments shaped by colonization and partition.
The insights in “Shattered Lands” emphasize the importance of recognizing our shared histories and cross-border heritage, countering the surge in nationalism seen in recent years. Rather than seeing the division between India and Pakistan as immutable, Dalrymple argues for an understanding that these borders were once imagined differently, and that there were hopes for unity.
Dalrymple’s exploration extends to the broader implications these partitions have on globalization, nationalism, and future tensions. He believes that understanding history can illuminate current realities and perhaps inspire a more thoughtful approach to current regional conflicts.
With a focus on humanity’s ability to overcome divisions, Dalrymple’s work serves as a reminder of the complex interrelations of nations and the need for a more nuanced understanding of our past.