A History of the Idea of Pakistan, Volumes 1-3

Lahore, Pakistan: Vanguard Books, 1987. Book. Very Good. Soft. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Volumes one through three [xxix, 327; xii, 328-622; xiii, 623-838], lacking volume 4; abundantly noted; light soil and edgewear, some pencil annotations and pencil lining esp. in volumes 1 and 3. "In 1858 the Muslims of India ceased to be the rulers and became a problem. During the next 82 years this problem and the means of solving it determined the course of Indian politics. Several constutional devices and arrangements were tried, and a series of reforms were enacted. Political parties were established to watch over Muslim interests, which claimed safeguards, separate electorates, weighted representation, quota in the public services, and preservation of religious liberties and cultural values. Most of these demands were conceded. Yet, in the end, all shields and concessions failed to secure their future, and, in March 1940, the Muslim League was forced to accept the partition of India as its goal - belatedly, reluctantly, half-heartedly. This is the commonplace version of the "Pakistan movement", and in the historical perspective an extremely perfunctory explanation of the creation of Pakistan... The origins, growth and consummation of this idea constitute the broader and more significant facet of the "Pakistan Movement" - the theme of these four volumes. In this path-breaking book, Prof. Aziz studies the history of the idea in exhaustive detail, providing a full description, a thoughtful analysis and a vigilant comparison of all the plans contributing to its evolution.".