#565 - 565 : The Dramatic Story of Unifying India

by Mallika Ravikumar and illustrated by Ishan Trivedi

“565 : The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar and illustrated by Ishan Trivedi. Published by Hachette. A gripping account chronicling the key events and persons involved in the forging of a united nation at the stroke of midnight on 15th August 1947.

The India we know of today was a patchwork of territories which came under British India and a huge number of princely states. The princely states, 565 of them, were ruled by a multitude of Maharajas and Nawabs who had pledged their allegiance to the British crown. When the British decided to leave India, a united nation had to be formed. If the jigsaw puzzle could not be assembled, the entire nation could disintegrate into several pieces resulting in chaos and confusion. Though the rulers had the third choice of remaining independent rather than acceding to either of India or Pakistan, the option was not practically feasible. Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, made a historic announcement on June 3, 1947 that India would finally get independence on the 15th of August. This meant that there were less than two months left to get freedom.

While most of the rulers had decided to accede with India, many were still hesitant for a multitude of bizarre reasons. Lofty ambitions, hope for better bargains, fear of the uncertainty of future, reservations against Congress, prejudices and what not! The states department headed by Sardar Patel with V P Menon as his secretary had less than two months to convince and make the rulers accede to India. They worked round the clock against all odds under immense pressure and managed to forge the great nation that is today’s India. A masterclass of applying Chankya’s sama dama danda bheda! Read the book to see how the nerve wracking events played out in the last few days of the Raj and know the incredible story of the unsung heroes of the states department.

To say that this book is mind boggling would be an understatement. The book has had such a profound effect on me and my ten year old son. We found it extremely intriguing, fascinating and gripping. The events that unfolded during the last two months before independence were no less than a grand drama. While reading about it itself gave us the goosebumps, we could very well imagine what nerves it would have taken for Sardar and Menon to handle the situations along with Mountbatten and Nehru. This thought provoking, eye opening and outstanding book tackles a topic that is usually just a small section in most school textbooks but needs to be known by everyone.

The narrative has been creatively presented like a story in an amazing manner that is appealing and easily understandable for everyone. There was not a single dull moment throughout the book. Well researched and divided into appropriate sections within each chapters, the narrative beautifully takes the readers through the various events which unfolded in each of the thirteen states that have been covered in the book. From Kashmir in the north to Travancore in the south and Junagadh in the West to Tripura in the east, accession was not straightforward at all. The illustrations lend life to the narrative and enhance the reading experience. At the end of each chapter, the author explains what really happened in a brief manner and what are the creative liberties that she has taken while presenting the events. Ever since we read the book, my son and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the events and keep discussing them whenever we get the chance. Despite it being exam season, he ensured that we read the book whenever we could find time. Given his love for history and real stories, the book has left a memorable impact on him. I can very well visualise this book being made into a web series and I hope someone does soon! Overall this book is a “MUST READ” for anyone to know how our nation was forged from a huge collection of princely states.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for anyone aged 11/12 and above.

Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Hachette, for review. Thank you to the folks at Hachette, for sending across the book!