The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II (Hardback)

“The history of Indian soldiers in WW2 is rarely told except perhaps in the context of Netaji Subhas Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. There are, however, other stories that can be told. For instance, what is the importance of Rajdhani Hotel, Bangkok? What happened on the bridge over the River Muar? And, what was the fate of the Indian soldiers who, for whatever reason, did not join the Azad Hind Fauj? In his very first book, Gautam Hazarika explores these side streets to bring alive an important but chaotic period in world history?”

Sanjeev Sanyal, author

Hazarika adeptly rescues an important slice of history from the shadowy margins of World War II. Going well beyond dry and dusty records, his breezy and well-researched narrative of the Indian National Army’s birth and evolution never falters, gripping you with every clever twist. It pulses with the heartbeats of soldiers, as it mines their thoughts, maps their dilemmas, teases out their deceptions, and foregrounds their courage, loyalty and spirit of sacrifice.

Mukund Padmanaban, author of The Great Flap of 1942

Gautam Hazarika’s book, effectively an Indian history of the INA, is a remarkable work. It is the Indian point-of-view, yet as far as possible unemotional, one-volume retelling that this episode of India’s history demands. It accounts for the “first” INA of Mohan Singh, as well as the later INA of Subhash Chandra Bose. It is clear-eyed about the limits and extent of the INA’s battlefield success, as against the extent and limits of its political success. It is densely-annotated, and topped off with unusual, faithfully-rendered illustrations. Highly recommended.

KS Nair, author

The events of the second world war in Asia shaped the legacies that affect the lives of millions of South Asia's inhabitants today. This book sheds new light on certain lesser known aspects of India's involvement in the war, with a particular focus on the war in East Asia, and the saga of suffering, loyalty and sacrifice of the forgotten Indian FEPOWs (Far East Prisoners of War), whose story was overshadowed by that of the Indian National Army and the tumult and chaos of independence and partition.

Sq Ldr Rana Chinna MBE author and military historian

"An important book that highlights the suffering and fortitude of the forgotten Indian prisoners of the Japanese. This is a vital contribution on a neglected subject, and it deserves a wide readership."

Kevin Noles, author of Indian Prisoners of War in Japanese Captivity during World War Two

"A powerful and deeply human account of Indian soldiers held by the Japanese in WWII. Gautam Hazarika brings long-forgotten voices to life with care and clarity. I’m glad I could assist in a small way with this important work that finally gives these men the recognition they deserve."

Major General Syed Ali Hamid (Retired)

"A prodigiously researched book that tells one of the great untold stories of the second world war in great style and conviction making it a page turner. It fills a gap on a subject that has been neglected by historians and film makers reflecting their Euro and American centric biases."

Mihir Bose

"Richly detailed and remarkably researched, The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II offers a fascinating account of a lost chapter in India's freedom struggle. Sober and unromanticised in its tone, it is nonetheless a moving story of some extraordinary individuals, navigating a time of conflict and profound--even traumatic--change. In recovering this crucial web of 'micro-histories', Gautam Hazarika makes a solid contribution to our understanding of the period and its layered dynamics."

Manu Pillai

Gautam Hazarika's copiously researched book reveals the forgotten stories of Indian POWs in World War 2- some who fought the British for an independent India, others that suffered Japanese brutality and a few that pulled off spectacular escapes. He weaves in nuanced positions on history that sometimes challenge popular conceptions. Informative, exciting and at times provocative, this book makes an interesting read, indeed.

Viajy Balan, Author of "The Swaraj Spy"

'Hazarika’s powerful and moving account uncovers a forgotten chapter of history-the haunting journeys of Indian prisoners of war in the east during World War II. Through painstaking research and compassionate storytelling, this book resurrects the tortured voices of those silenced by captivity, torn from home, and erased from memory.'

Rajesh Rai, Associate Professor & Head, South Asian Studies Programme, National University of Singapore