To the Edge and Back : 1962 India-China War

Rohit Agarwal

ISBN 10: 939009500X / ISBN 13: 9789390095001

Published by Pentagon Press Aug 2024, 2024

About this Item

Neuware - This book examines the 1962 India-China war, a saga of failure at multiple levels, from political and diplomatic miscalculations to military leadership''s neglect of basic military principles. It traces the historical background of the boundary dispute, the build-up of tensions, and the war''s outbreak. Despite the overall disaster, the book highlights the bravery and steadfastness of junior leaders and soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds, upholding the army''s esprit de corps. The book is written for the lay reader, avoiding military jargon, making it accessible to students, youth, and anyone interested in understanding the dispute and war. It honors the sacrifices of the 1,383 soldiers who lost their lives, 1,696 who went missing, and 3,968 who were captured, including 36 who died in captivity.

Seller Inventory # 9789390095001

Bibliographic Details

• Title: To the Edge and Back : 1962 India-China War
• Publisher: Pentagon Press Aug 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 939009500X
• ISBN 13: 9789390095001
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 238W x 163H x 24D millimeters 238 millimeters width by 163 millimeters height by 24 millimeters depth
• Weight: 404 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The saga of 1962 is one of failure at multiple levels. Starting from the failure of the Prime Minister and the government to formulate a coherent national security policy, to the failure of the diplomats to effectively engage and gauge the Chinese. It was a failure on the part of the senior military leadership to provide sound military advice to the political leadership. In fact, they are guilty of ignoring basic military precepts in order to meet political requirements. This book traces the historical background of the boundary dispute and the slow build-up of mistrust, suspicion and acrimony between India and China that started sometime after the `Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai` phase of relationships and resulted in the outbreak of war in October 1962. It documents the course of the battle, where the robust junior leadership and steadfastness of the Indian Jawan are the two factors that stand out as saving grace amidst the overall disaster. Everywhere small bodies of men fought isolated battles under desperate conditions and extreme shortages. In every instance, the junior leaders on the spot led from the forefront, often to their last breath. And the jawans followed their leaders unquestioningly, unhesitatingly and uncomplainingly. Never once were the `Naam, NamakaurNishaan` let down. This was a testimony to the strong espirit de corps forged by the regimental system of the army, which continues to stand the test of time even to date. 1,383 soldiers had lost their lives, 1,696 were missing and 3,968 had been captured, of which 36 died in captivity. Written with the lay reader in mind, this book avoids military jargon and can be easily followed by readers without any prior knowledge of military matters . It is suitable for students, youth and others who are interested in learning more about the dispute and the war.