A book discussion on “Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia” by author and scholar Sam Dalrymple was jointly organised by India Foundation and India Habitat Centre on 24th October 2025, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation and featured eminent discussants like; Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR); Shri R. Prasannan, Resident Editor, The Week and Malayala Manorama and Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean and Professor, School of International Studies, JNU.
The discussion focused on reflections on the continuing relevance of partition in understanding modern Asia’s political and cultural evolution. The book, which examines five major partitions across the continent, goes beyond the familiar narrative of India’s division in 1947 to include other historical ruptures that shaped the 20th century.
The book seeks to weave together multiple histories of division and displacement across Asia, revealing how the creation of borders continues to influence identities, communities, and state-building efforts even today. The book emphasised the importance of looking at partition not only as a political event, but as a deeply human experience that continues to shape collective memory.
The panel discussion brought out diverse perspectives on the themes explored in the book. Panelists examined how stories of migration, identity, and loss remain relevant across regions and how historical understanding can foster cooperation in a fractured world. Speakers reflected on the book’s extensive research and narrative approach, which interweaves personal accounts, archival material and contemporary reflections.
Panelists underscored that Shattered Lands contributes significantly to the growing body of literature that seeks to humanise historical discourse. The session concluded with an interactive segment with the audience. The discussion reaffirmed that exploring the shared histories of the region remains crucial to building bridges of empathy, understanding and cooperation among neighbouring nations.
