Birth of A Nation: Princely States, Colonial Archives and Partition

Birth of A Nation: Princely States, Colonial Archives and Partition | NL interview with Josy Joseph

1 hour ago 9

In this interview, Abhinandan Sekhri sits down with veteran investigative journalist Josy Joseph to discuss his third book, Birth of a Nation, which chronicles the little-known story of India's princely states during the transition to independence in 1947. Joseph explains how the book grew out of years spent combing through the National Archives while working at Times of India, initially collecting documents without a clear plan. He describes discovering that Sir Conrad Corfield, head of the colonial government’s political department, destroyed roughly 90 percent of records documenting the scandals of princely rulers – a move that infuriated Jawaharlal Nehru. The conversation covers Joseph’s research methodology and the standout characters uncovered in his research, including a mysterious spy embedded in the Nizam of Hyderabad’s inner circle who fed intelligence to Delhi during tense negotiations. As Joseph puts it: “Indian independence was not just the bloodiest partition in human history, not just the formation of the largest republic in human history, not just the first major state to emerge out of nonviolence... it was also the largest surrender of hereditary power.” He also argues that journalists, not just political leaders, drove the freedom movement, and laments what he sees as today’s media losing sight of that legacy. The conversation also touches on archival neglect in India, his deliberate choice to reclaim the title Birth of a Nation despite its association with the racist 1915 American film, and reflections on Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel’s contrasting leadership styles during Partition. Watch the full interview. Subscribe to Newslaundry: https://pages.razorpay.com/nlsm Join the NL-TNM Book Club: https://www.newslaundry.com/book-club Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry

The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens

Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.

Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.

The Need for Upilink News

In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.

Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.

Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.

The Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.

Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters

Free Access for All

At Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.

Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism

To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.

By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.

Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability

In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.

In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.

Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.