Empire Podcast Episode Summary
Title: India’s First Partition: Burma’s Brexit (Part 1)
Episode: 278
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Hosts: William Dalrymple and Anita Anand
Guest: Sam Dalrymple, Historian and Author of Shattered: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia
Introduction: Unveiling Multiple Partitions
In this special episode of Empire, hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into Sam Dalrymple's groundbreaking work, Shattered: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia. Contrary to the commonly held belief that the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan was the sole event of its kind, Sam introduces the concept of five significant partitions that have profoundly shaped modern Asia. This revelation not only broadens our understanding of historical power dynamics but also elucidates their lasting impact on contemporary geopolitical landscapes.
The Vast British Indian Empire
Sam Dalrymple begins by painting a comprehensive picture of the British Indian Empire at its zenith. Contrary to the narrow perception limited to present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the empire extended from modern-day Yemen to Burma (now Myanmar), encompassing 12 contemporary nations. “India stretches from modern day Yemen to modern day Burma. It encompasses kind of 12 modern nation states rather than just the India Pakistan that I think we so often imagine,” Sam explains (05:55).
Burma: The Forgotten Partition
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Burma's pivotal role within the British Empire and its eventual partition. In the 1930s, Burma was renowned for its prosperity, rivaling cities like Singapore and even surpassing New York City as a major immigration hub. “In 1933 the immigration authorities of the Raj write that until recently, Rangoon was second only to New York City as an immigration and emigration port in the world. But now it is number one,” Sam notes (08:22). This wealth was primarily driven by oil discoveries and enterprises like the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, an early ancestor of BP.
Ethnic Tensions and the Rise of Indian Influence
Burma's affluence attracted a significant Indian population, including various ethnic groups such as Tamil bankers and Sikh families. However, this influx led to heightened ethnic tensions. “Mahatma Ottama exists, and he is the biggest politician in Burma in the 1920s...he is campaigning for Burma to remain a part of India,” Sam recounts (12:09). This stance ignited debates reminiscent of modern-day Brexit, with conflicts over economic dominance and cultural integration.
The Simon Commission and Its Fallout
The arrival of the Simon Commission in 1937, an all-white British committee tasked with suggesting a new constitution for India without any Indian representation, became a catalyst for widespread dissent. “As far as Indians saw it, the fact that not a single Indian had been put on the committee to create a new constitution was just outright racist,” Sam explains (16:07). This exclusion fueled the “Simon Go Home” movement, uniting various nationalist factions against British colonial rule.
Mahatma Ottama: From Gandhi’s Acolyte to Separatist Leader
Mahatma Ottama, a pivotal figure in Burma’s political landscape, initially aligned with the Indian National Congress but later advocated for Burma’s full separation from India. “He’s... campaigning for Burma to remain a part of India...he's named Mahatma in honour of his similarities to Gandhi,” Sam details (12:09). Ottama's rhetoric, blending Buddhist nationalism with anti-Indian sentiment, set the stage for Burma's first partition.
Economic Downturn and Rising Xenophobia
The Great Depression exacerbated economic disparities, leading Tamil bankers to seize vast tracts of Burmese land as defaults on loans became rampant. “Tamil bankers seize a quarter of all Burmese land...this begins to turn Burmese popular opinion towards that maybe separation is a good thing,” Sam observes (21:10). This economic turmoil intensified racial tensions, making separation a seemingly viable solution for many Burmese.
USOR and the Fascist Turn
Mahatma Ottama (USOR) began to exhibit fascist tendencies, drawing inspiration from Hitler’s Germany and Imperial Japan. “He spends all the years before separation lauding Hitler's treatment of the Jews...he joins the secretive society called the Black Dragon Society,” Sam narrates (23:00). USOR’s alignment with Japanese imperialism signaled a dark turn towards xenophobic nationalism.
Japanese Invasion and Its Aftermath
The Japanese invasion of Burma in 1941 brought unprecedented chaos. On Christmas Day, Japanese forces conducted a devastating bombing raid on Rangoon, resulting in widespread destruction and panic. “It's on Christmas Day that suddenly the Japanese decide to give Christmas presents to the people of Rangoon,” Sam recounts (42:00). This invasion precipitated the largest mass migration in recorded history, with approximately 600,000 Indian civilians fleeing Burma for India in 1942, many of whom perished during the perilous journey (40:00).
Humanitarian Crisis and Ethical Responses
Amidst the horrors of war and ethnic cleansing, acts of human kindness shone through. Families and communities, despite deep-seated animosities, often protected and sheltered those fleeing violence. “There's a huge amount of just people being good amidst horror that I think is important to highlight,” William remarks (45:12). This duality underscores the complexities of human behavior in times of crisis.
Linkages to Modern-Day Issues
The episode draws parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, notably the Rohingya genocide. USOR's early demonization of Muslims in Burma laid the groundwork for the systemic persecution seen today. “It's him who starts that and sets into motion a ball that will roll down into the modern Rohingya genocide,” Sam states (26:30).
Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Future Episodes
As the episode concludes, the transformation of Burma post-separation is highlighted, with the new international borders creating lasting geopolitical tensions. The hosts tease the next installment, which will explore another surprising partition within the Indian Empire—Dubai’s escape from being part of India.
Notable Quotes
- William Dalrymple (01:05): “I have to say, this is a very special episode of Empire...one of my favorite Dalrymples.”
- Sam Dalrymple (05:55): “At this moment, when the BBC is trying to contact aliens...India stretches from modern day Yemen to modern day Burma.”
- Sam Dalrymple (16:07): “The fact that not a single Indian had been put on the committee to create a new constitution was just outright racist.”
- Anita Anand (13:36): “Burma refuses to be a helot on her own sword...Burma's demand is for her rightful place as an honored and equal partner in the coming All India Federation.”
This episode of Empire offers a nuanced exploration of the lesser-known partitions that have significantly shaped modern Asia. By uncovering the intricate interplay of ethnic tensions, economic factors, and political maneuvers, Sam Dalrymple provides a fresh perspective on the historical forces that continue to influence today's geopolitical realities.