This book is an accessible, comprehensive, and nuanced history of
Pakistan. It reflects upon state and society in Pakistan and shows they
have been shaped by historical forces and personae. Hoodbhoy expertly
maps the journey of the region from many millennia ago to the
circumstances and impulses that gave birth to the very first state in
history founded upon religious identity. He documents colonial rule, the
trauma of Partition, the nation's wars with India, the formation of
Bangladesh, and the emergence of Baloch nationalism. The book also
examines longstanding complex themes and issues - such as religious
fundamentalism, identity formation, democracy, and military rule - as
well as their impact on the future of the state of Pakistan.
Drawing on a range of sources and written by one of the foremost
intellectuals of the region, this book will be indispensable for
scholars, researchers, students of history, politics, and South Asian
studies. It will be of great interest to the general reader interested
in understanding Pakistan.