Blood and fire have often blighted Afghanistan. Alas, this story had remained untold so far.
At last, we have a book on the Durand Line families refuse to accept the division. That’s why they have struggled over the last century to rub out the cursed line in sand.
Rajiv Dogra brings alive the wars, the tragedies and the Afghan anger against injustice in this page turning account of Afghanistan’s misfortunes. “Durand’s Curse” is a fascinating story of living history told by a major writer of our generation.
This book’s promises include;
1… Durand Agreement and the manner of its signing has remained an enigma till now;
—Why did the Amir sign it? What forced him to do so? Why did he sign only the english text of the agreement-a language that he did not know?
2….Archival records and British Parliamentary debates of 19th century present a fascinating tale of intrigue and whodunit. There is now incontestable proof that Frontier Area was not to be annexed? Why did that happen then? There is also record to show that Pakistan was not a successor state to either India or Britain.
3..Still, why did some in the British establishment decide to rob Afghanistan of the Frontier area?
4….Durand’s Curse is the never before told story of the British plot against simple but brave Pashtuns and Pakistan’s role in it.
5….Will Pashtuns across the Durand Line ever be reunited?
6….Durand’s Curse is the first full book in the world on the wars leading up to the Durand Agreement, the Durand Line and its consequences.
“Durand’s Curse” is a heart wrenching account of Pashtun misfortunes. Published by Rupa, the book is scheduled to reach bookshops in September 2017.
A Punch cartoon of 1878 shows Afghanistan caught between the Russian bear and the British lion.
Amir Abdur Rahman Khan (1844-1901)-Amir of Afghanistan (1880-1901)
Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, (1850-1924)
View expressed in this article are of the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Pajhwok’s editorial policy.
