Himalayan Blunder: The Curtain-Raiser to the Sino-Indian War of 1962 by Brigadier J P Dalvi (Hardcover)

Description

“Himalayan Blunder: The Curtain-Raiser to the Sino-Indian War of 1962” is a notable work of historical analysis and critique by Brigadier John Dalvi. Published in 1968, this book provides an insider’s perspective on the events leading up to the Sino-Indian War of 1962, one of the significant conflicts in the post-independence history of India.

Brigadier John Dalvi, who served as a senior officer in the Indian Army during the war, offers a detailed and critical examination of the military, political, and strategic decisions that contributed to the conflict. He highlights the shortcomings, misjudgments, and lapses in planning and execution that ultimately led to India’s defeat at the hands of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Dalvi’s book is notable for its frank and unvarnished assessment of the leadership, decision-making, and military preparedness of the Indian Army and government during this period. He provides insights into the political climate, the lack of adequate intelligence, and the logistical challenges faced by the Indian forces.

“Himalayan Blunder” is considered a significant and controversial work because it challenges prevailing narratives and official accounts of the war. It sparked debate and discussion in India about the conduct of the war and the lessons that needed to be learned from it.

The book remains a valuable historical document for those interested in Indian military history, the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and the broader geopolitical context of the time. It offers a critical perspective on the events leading up to the conflict and the subsequent impact on India’s strategic thinking and military preparedness.