1971: A People’s History from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India by Anam Zakaria

1971: A People’s History from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India by Anam Zakaria is a deeply human retelling of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War through the voices and memories of those who lived it. Moving beyond official narratives, the book highlights the personal experiences, traumas, and contested histories that continue to shape relations between Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Synopsis Zakaria collects oral histories and testimonies from survivors, freedom fighters, refugees, and ordinary citizens across the three nations most affected by the war. By weaving together diverse perspectives, the book reveals how 1971 is remembered differently in each country—glorified, silenced, or reshaped according to political and national interests. The work underscores the lingering scars of violence, displacement, and loss, while also exploring the resilience of those who lived through one of South Asia’s most defining conflicts. Key Features & Themes

• Oral Histories: Firsthand accounts from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.
• Contested Memories: How different nations narrate and reinterpret the war.
• Trauma & Healing: Stories of survival, displacement, and reconciliation.
• Political & Social Impact: The war’s long-lasting effects on regional identity and relations.
• Human-Centered Approach: Focus on lived experiences rather than just military or political events.

Why Read It?

• Offers a rare, multi-perspective view of the 1971 war.
• Humanizes history through personal narratives often missing from textbooks.
• Encourages critical reflection on nationalism, memory, and reconciliation.
• Essential for readers interested in South Asian history, politics, and collective memory.

1971: A People’s History is a powerful and empathetic exploration of one of South Asia’s most pivotal moments, reminding us that history is not only about nations—but also about the people who live through it.