December in Dacca cover art

December in Dacca

The Indian Armed Forces and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

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December in Dacca

By: KS Nair, P. Mathai Abraham
Narrated by: P. Mathai Abraham
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About this listen

The 1971 war between India and Pakistan, to help liberate the beleaguered people of Bangladesh, is considered one of the last 'just wars' of the twentieth century. Good triumphed decisively, unequivocally and indisputably. Yet, given the scale of atrocity that was halted in its tracks, it is shocking that the compelling circumstances as well as numerous poignant and heart-warming stories of the war have failed to become iconic representations of military intervention and success in the folklore and popular culture of India, Bangladesh and beyond.

December in Dacca seeks to right this wrong. From the dramatic dogfight over Boyra to the cornering of Pakistani naval vessels at Karachi to the Indian helicopter-riding infantry and paratroopers forcing the enemy to retreat, the book retells the many thrilling anecdotes, setting them within their diplomatic, strategic and tactical contexts.

It also provides a glimpse into the lives of some of these heroes once the dust had settled. Most importantly, it offers thoughts on why the events of 1971 are not better known, and how a better understanding of those could help India reaffirm her sense of self.

 Asia Essays India Military South Asia War
All stars
Most relevant
A very nuanced perspective. Well worth my time- left me with a richer understanding of what happened.

Delightfully nuanced

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Good narrator. But a lop sided presentation of selective events becomes obvious half way through the book. Author loses credibility as he repeatedly tries to position the 1971 war as a righteous and just war. Naturally paints Pakistan as a 'primeval enemy' - as expected - but also US, UN,China and pretty much everybody else as villains.

One-sided and lacking objectivity

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