What really happened during the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of February 1946? Why has this important chapter of South Asian history remained largely forgotten? Dr Ayesha Siddiqa interviews renowned historian and publisher Pramod Kapoor about the 1946 Naval Mutiny, a remarkable uprising by Indian naval ratings against British rule, racial discrimination, poor living conditions, and inadequate food. The discussion explores how the rebellion began in Bombay and spread to Karachi and other locations, involving thousands of sailors and attracting support from students, workers, and ordinary citizens. Pramod Kapoor explains why major political leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were reluctant to support the uprising. He also discusses the role of political calculations, the approaching independence of India, and the possible consequences of the rebellion for Partition and the future of India and Pakistan. This conversation also highlights the forgotten sacrifices of the naval ratings, the historical significance of Karachi's role in the uprising, and the importance of preserving shared history across the subcontinent. *In this episode:*
- The origins and causes of the 1946 Naval Mutiny
- The rebellion in Bombay and Karachi
- British rule, racial discrimination, and sailors' grievances
- Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and Jinnah's responses
- The connection between the mutiny and India's independence
- Hindu-Muslim unity among the naval ratings
- Why this uprising deserves greater recognition in South Asian history
Watch this insightful conversation to discover a lesser-known story that connects India's independence movement with the shared historical experiences of India and Pakistan. Subscribe to New Wave History for more conversations about South Asian history, politics, society, culture, and regional affairs. *Disclaimer:* This program presents a historical discussion and interpretations shared by the interview participants. #1946NavalMutiny #IndianHistory #PakistanHistory #BritishIndia #SouthAsianHistory #RoyalIndianNavy #IndianIndependence #PromodeKapoor #IndiaPakistan #ForgottenHistory