Indus Basin Uninterrupted: A History of

...a valuable contribution both to the world of scholarship and to the larger public discourse-JAIRAM RAMESH The Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan marks six decades but carries the reflection of 5000 years of history Indus Basin Uninterrupted with an easy narration and rich archival material brings alive a meandering journey of peace conflict and commerce on the Indus basin. The Indus system of rivers as a powerful symbol of the passage of time represents not only the interdependence and interpenetration of land and water but equally the unfolding of political identities social churning and economic returns. From Alexander's campaign to Muhammad-bin-Qásim crossing the Indus and laying the foundation of Muslim rule in India; from the foreign invaders and their 'loot and scoot' to the Mughal rulers' perspective on hydrology and water use; from the British 'great game' on the Indus basin to the bitter and bloody Partition; and finally as a historical pause the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty-this book is a spectrum of spectacular events turning points and of personalities and characters and their actions that were full of marvel. Review The Indus has defined the sub-continent in myriad ways. Based on deep archival research Uttam Sinha provides a fascinating narrative of its role and influence with focus on the Indus Waters Treaty that was signed six decades ago between India and Pakistan. The Treaty now confronts a fresh political and ecological challenge which is what makes this book very timely. It isa valuable contribution both to the world of scholarship and to the larger public discourse as well. ―Jairam Ramesh MP and former Union ministerDrawing on a wealth of archival material and critically researched informationthe book vividly takes the readers through a historicaltour de force of the Indus basin. Without obscuring facts the author with his easy narration reminds us through the past of the contemporariness of the divided rivers between India and Pakistan. Very often the Indus Waters Treaty is described as unfair to India. However the effort should be to reduce cost on India by maximising the storage and using the waters. ―Nripendra Misra Chairman Nehru Memorial Museum and LibraryUttam Sinha has written a most fascinating chronicle on how the lives and destinies of the Indus basin inhabitants were influenced by the designs of invaders conquerors kings greedyCoy wallahs and the great games played by the canny colonizers. Traversing the maze of historical events from long before Alexander and his army crossed the Indus this writing presents an excellent exposition of the complex challenges which were met before the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty. The book which contains valuable lessons for war and peace must be read by security strategists diplomats economists and political leaders. ―N.N. Vohra Governor Jammu and Kashmir (2008-2018)This is a well-researched historically-grounded and carefully argued account of the Indus basin. Sinha who has previously written with much authority on the politics of hydrology in South Asia has distilled a significant corpus of literature into this book. As a consequence it is a work of considerable sweep and deals with an issue of compelling contemporary political significance. Academics journalists and analysts alike will benefit from reading this extremely topical book. ―Sumit Ganguly Distinguished Professor at Indiana University USThis lucidly accounted history of the turbulent Indus basin will help in enhancing understanding of complex issues in water management which is otherwise an emotive subject causing irresolute disputes. The past impediments in the development of the basin and the possible options for its better management are clearly discernible from the narrative of the book. It is an excellent outcome of systematic and consistent research. ―- Suresh Kumar Chief Pr