Santanu Das Livres

Focusing on the physicality of war, the book explores the personal and sensory experiences of soldiers, revealing how their bodies reacted to the trauma and violence of conflict. Santanu Das delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of warfare, highlighting the profound connections between bodily sensations and the realities of combat. Through vivid accounts and historical analysis, the narrative sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of war, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the human body and the experience of battle.

This is the first cultural and literary history of India and the First World War, with archival research from Europe and South Asia.

As Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914, Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy of India, announced that India too was at war, without consulting Indian political leaders. Yet, the responses to the war within India, both from the native princes and the political elite, were largely enthusiastic. The feudal princes who ruled one third of India, were overwhelmingly supportive. Both the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League supported the war effort, and nationalist leaders backed the Allied effort. The anti-colonial nationalist movement that was burgeoning in India took a backseat for a while when the call for the war effort was made. The spirit of war was such that Sir Pertab Singh, the regent of Jodhpur and the favourite of Queen Victoria, was said to have threatened to sit at the doorstep of the Viceroy in protest if not allowed to serve in the war. Men were heavily recruited, were trained and readied for the voyage across the black waters. On 26 September 1914, t