"The partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and the creation of Pakistan was one of the most important events of the twentieth century and its ramifications are in the politics of South Asia. Pakistan was a by-product of the historical reality of the coexistence of two religiously defined communities - Hindus and Muslims. Extensive scholarship in recent years has shown that there is a connection between the problematic narratives of Indian history and the creation of separate boundaries of citizenship in South Asia.".

"The book offers a balanced and objective view of one of the longest, uninterrupted histories of the world. It carefully takes into account the historical circumstances that created not only differences but also similarities in the experiences of the peoples of South Asia. Drawing on new evidence and research, the book provides a thematic chronology of the history of the Indian subcontinent. It also analyzes the local and regional circumstances that helped to shape that history and provides a fresh perspective on the politics of historical narratives in Indian and Pakistan. The authors in combination offer their judgement and experience to provide a unique, comprehensive, and modern account of the South Asian subcontinent."--BOOK JACKET.