Empire Podcast Summary: Episode 201 - The Raj at War
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Hosts: William Dalrymple & Anita Anand
Guest: Yasmin Khan
Transcript Duration: 35 minutes
Introduction
In Episode 201 of "Empire," hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into the pivotal role of Indian troops during the First and Second World Wars. As Remembrance Weekend approaches, the episode commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers from the British Empire, particularly those from India, highlighting their impact on global history and the eventual transformation of the Indian subcontinent.
Setting the Stage: The Commonwealth Gates and Colonial Legacy
Anita Anand opens the discussion by referencing the Commonwealth Gates at Constitution Hill in Westminster, London. Although titled "Commonwealth," the gates memorialize soldiers from the British Empire who fought in the Second World War. Yasmin Khan explains that these gates were only established in 2002, indicating a delayed societal recognition of the Empire’s contributions during the war.
Notable Quote:
Anita Anand [03:20]: "The Commonwealth didn't really exist during the Second World War. It was the British Empire. But you can't put, I suppose, the British Empire on that gate."
The British Raj and the Prelude to War
William Dalrymple draws parallels between significant landmarks in India, like India Gate, which was completed in 1929, and their enduring legacy despite the rapid decline of British rule within two decades. Yasmin Khan emphasizes that British withdrawal was always a possibility, with divisions among British officials regarding India’s future.
Notable Quote:
William Dalrymple [05:34]: "There's absolutely no feeling in 1929 that the end of the Raj is anywhere near."
Indian Troops in World War II: Motivations and Experiences
Yasmin Khan provides a comprehensive overview of Indian soldiers' motivations for joining the British war effort, highlighting a mix of economic necessity, loyalty, and a sense of duty to protect the homeland. She challenges the modern perception of these soldiers as mere mercenaries, illustrating their complex motivations.
Notable Quotes:
Yasmin Khan [07:25]: "There are regiments all over India who have been loyal traditionally to Britain and have been rewarded for that."
Yasmin Khan [08:06]: "There's a mercenary element for sure... But there is also evidence of people saying, our homeland, our motherland is in danger, God save the king."
British Military Leadership and Racial Dynamics
The discussion shifts to the British military hierarchy, where Indian soldiers faced limitations in rising through the ranks. While some British officers formed personal bonds with their Indian troops, systemic barriers prevented Indians from attaining high command positions.
Notable Quote:
Yasmin Khan [14:34]: "They couldn't become a commander."
The Threat of Japanese Invasion and Shifting Battlefronts
The entry of Japan into the war in 1942 brought the conflict to India's doorstep, transforming the war from a European-centric battle to a regional one. This shift heightened the urgency for Indian troops and civilians alike.
Notable Quote:
Yasmin Khan [15:10]: "There are bombs. I've seen a bomb in a museum in Vizag."
Indian Response to British War Declaration
Yasmin Khan elaborates on the Indian political landscape just before the war, noting the stagnation in the independence movement despite increased Indian participation in governance. The declaration of war without consulting Indian leaders sparked significant unrest and resistance.
Notable Quotes:
Anita Anand [01:05]: "...Indian army troops that fought across the empire during the first and second World Wars."
Yasmin Khan [09:41]: "There was a bit of a stalemate really... Indians are much more involved in running the state than they ever would have been in the past."
The Quit India Movement and Civil Disobedience
The imposition of war without Indian consent led to the Quit India Movement, spearheaded by Gandhi. This marked a significant escalation in India's fight for independence, with widespread protests and civil disobedience challenging British authority.
Notable Quote:
Yasmin Khan [20:06]: "We get into the Quit India movement which is frankly one of the greatest uprisings."
Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army
Subhash Chandra Bose emerges as a pivotal figure advocating for armed resistance against British rule. Disillusioned with Gandhi's non-violent approach, Bose sought alliances with Axis powers to fuel India's quest for independence, leading to the formation of the Indian National Army.
Notable Quote:
Anita Anand [23:01]: "Subhash Chandra Bose, who's another Indian who is making great waves here...this is the hardest line any of the Indian nationalists have taken."
Bengal Famine of 1943: A Humanitarian Crisis
Amidst the war, the Bengal region suffered a catastrophic famine, resulting in the deaths of over three million people. Yasmin Khan discusses the contentious debate over British responsibility, highlighting Churchill's neglectful policies that exacerbated the crisis.
Notable Quotes:
Anita Anand [28:39]: "They are counted. Hiroshima is counted. But those who died in such hideous ways in Bengal are not counted."
Yasmin Khan [26:44]: "There is a strong case for integrating the dead of the Bengal famine into calculations of the global war."
Impact of War on Indian Society and Economy
The war catalyzed significant social and economic changes in India. Industrial growth surged, women entered the workforce, and urbanization accelerated, laying the groundwork for a modernized Indian society post-independence.
Notable Quote:
Yasmin Khan [30:15]: "This is the beginnings of a sort of different type of India... the growth of some of those big cities."
Final Years of the War and the Path to Independence
As the war drew to a close, British morale in India waned, and the push for independence intensified. The collapse of British authority set the stage for the eventual partition of India and Pakistan, a process fraught with violence and upheaval.
Notable Quote:
Yasmin Khan [35:02]: "The British are just demoralized. Everyone is awaiting the release of the Congress leaders from jail."
Conclusion: Reflections on Empire and Independence
The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative impact of World War II on the British Empire and the Indian independence movement. Yasmin Khan posits that the war fundamentally altered India's political and social landscape, making continued colonial rule untenable and paving the way for a sovereign nation.
Notable Quote:
Anita Anand [35:19]: "Thank you so much for giving us so much to think about."
Key Takeaways
- Complex Motivations: Indian soldiers in the British Empire's army fought for a blend of loyalty, economic necessity, and the desire to protect their homeland.
- British Policy Failures: British leadership's disregard for Indian input in war decisions fostered resentment and fueled the independence movement.
- Internal Indian Dynamics: Figures like Gandhi, Jinnah, and Bose represented diverse strategies and visions for India's future, contributing to the multifaceted struggle for independence.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The Bengal famine of 1943 remains a contentious chapter, illustrating the dire consequences of wartime policies and neglect.
- Societal Transformation: The war accelerated industrialization, urbanization, and social change in India, setting the stage for post-war independence and partition.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Anita Anand [03:20]: "The Commonwealth didn't really exist during the Second World War. It was the British Empire."
- William Dalrymple [05:34]: "There's absolutely no feeling in 1929 that the end of the Raj is anywhere near."
- Yasmin Khan [07:25]: "There are regiments all over India who have been loyal traditionally to Britain..."
- Yasmin Khan [08:06]: "There's a mercenary element for sure... But there is also evidence of people saying, our homeland, our motherland is in danger..."
- William Dalrymple [12:14]: "Britain did not fight the Second World War, the British Empire did."
- Yasmin Khan [22:01]: "He sees an opportunity to curry favour and he sees an opportunity to actually support recruitment."
- Yasmin Khan [26:44]: "There is a strong case for integrating the dead of the Bengal famine into calculations of the global war."
- William Dalrymple [35:07]: "I think it was a whole lot of dreadful accidents."
- Anita Anand [35:19]: "Thank you so much for giving us so much to think about."
This episode of "Empire" masterfully weaves historical analysis with personal narratives, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Indian soldiers in the global conflict and their profound influence on the eventual dissolution of the British Empire.