A short-review of K.K. Aziz’s book ‘The Murder of History’- a critique on how the history we are taught is politicized.
Khursheed Kamal Aziz was a Pakistani Historian. He has authored many books on the History of Pakistan such as The Making of Pakistan and Britain And Muslim India.
This book was first published in 1985. Indeed, this book is the first that challenged the claims made about Pakistan’s creation. This book analyses in depth the history books taught in schools from grade 1 to 14. The final edition of this book was released in 2010.
‘Murder’ he wrote
Mr. Aziz, first of all, has claimed that the history books are a collection of misquotations and misstatements leading to self-glory while hiding the lies engraved in them. Further in the Chapter ‘The Calamity of Errors’ he mentions how the books contain one-sided viewpoints and self-made opinions.
The brave author manages to write such a book that directly attacked the country’s political leadership of that time when General Zia ul Haq was the Dictator. During his rule, the subject of History was replaced by Pakistan Studies and Social Studies under his reign as well. Furthermore, Aziz writes that students are forced to learn a collection of facts but historical facts.
Aziz also makes claims with evidence that the Lahore Resolution was passed on March 24th. In addition to this, he states that Pakistan achieved independence on 15th August, the same day when India received independence. Consequently, these various claims by the author show that the politicised system of our country is a ‘Murder of History’.
Conclusion
While History itself never exists, the books we read, are basically the writer’s opinion on that particular event and we only learn what the author intends to tell. As a result, various errors, misinterpretations, and misleading statements cause a great hindrance in the construction of Pakistan’s true historical image.
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