Chapter 2, Commissioner of Hyderabad
Compared to Nehru, the leader of the Muslim League, Ali Jinnah, was a leader who was thoroughly aligned with the West, and for a long time, the religious claims of the Muslim League were not regarded by Ali Jinnah
"Do you think Nehru is an impressive figure?" Barron asked with his fingers interlaced, in an uncertain tone
Ultimately, Allen Wilson believes that this is closely related to Nehru's visit to the Soviet Union during his youth. The emergence of the Soviet Union was a monumental event for the entire world, and it is entirely normal that it had a significant impact on Nehru at that time. As a result, after India's independence, Nehru adopted many Soviet methods to address domestic issues
During the Battle of Imphal, your father assisted me greatly in maintaining stability in India. Finally, Sir Barron mentioned the past, and Allen Wilson understood.
Kolkata was the capital of British India before New Delhi, with the British operating in Kolkata for half a century. It was only thirty years ago that the capital was moved to New Delhi. In this era, it is undoubtedly the second largest city in India
British India was governed by the Viceroy's office and British commissioners, comprising a total of seventeen provinces, which occupied two-thirds of present-day British India. The remaining one-third of the territory was home to over five hundred and sixty princely states. These princely states varied in size; the smaller ones were merely larger landlords, while the larger states were treated with great respect by the British, regarded as heads of state.
"We are currently in a time of war, and many departments are in need of talent," Sir Barron mused before continuing, "During the Battle of Imphal, your father did a great deal of work in Calcutta. Both the war zone and the Governor's office, as well as the Colonial Office, have taken note of this. We must also consider the views of those who have rendered service."
However, as a minority, Ali Jinnah was inevitably influenced by the Muslim League, and given Ali Jinnah's poor health, after his death, both the Muslim League and Pakistan swiftly embarked on a path of religiousization
The young man standing before him spoke earnestly, answering his questions. Barron nodded in satisfaction, a strange emotion welling up within him, finding it hard to imagine that such insights could come from someone in their early twenties.
"Ah? Thank you, Sir Barren." Allen Wilson paused for a moment, suppressing the surprise in his heart as he expressed his gratitude.
Sir Barron also felt somewhat disappointed with the arrangements made by Allen Will and *Tu* Shun, explaining the significance of Hyderabad, and pointed out, "The current local ruler is Mir Osman Ali Khan, a ruler respected in London, and communication with him is no less effective than working within the provinces under our control"
Allen Wilson was not dissatisfied with this; he also understood that Sir Barron had done his best under the current rules, and that was all that could be achieved at this time
After the battle in Myanmar, this center in Bengal faced the threat of the Japanese army directly, until the outbreak of the Imphal battle. As for Old Wilson, during this time, he maintained the operations of Calcutta according to the orders of Sir Barren
While Allen Wilson was still pondering, Sir Barron had already begun to speak for himself, stating, "Although Hyderabad is not actually under the control of British India, its significance is no less than that of the provinces governed by the Viceroy. Among the more than 500 princely states, Hyderabad can be regarded as a barometer, so do not have any concerns; its importance is the same."
Now, after all, it is a time of world war, and some of the previous rules can be broken, but it is also necessary to grasp the right timing
In isolation, Nehru is a figure who cannot be compared to the likes of Modi in later generations. On the other hand, Ali Jinnah, representing a different faction, is also a thoroughly secular political figure. Whether it is Hinduism or Islam, both are merely tools in the hands of these two individuals, who themselves possess no religious characteristics whatsoever
Thank you, Sir Baron. " Allen Wilson took out a gold coin and said to himself, " This is something I obtained from a merchant. Personally, I hope Sir Baron does not mind its metallic composition, but rather sees the precious Indian history depicted on it, just as the Eastern Academy studies academic issues, perceiving the vast Eastern world.
Among the more than 500 princely states, the most powerful one is the Hyderabad state mentioned by Sir Barry, which is the largest in both area and population in British India, and its strength far exceeds that of Kashmir, which later triggered multiple Indo-Pakistani wars
Jawaharlal Nehru of the Indian National Congress was entirely different. Nehru repeatedly professed his respect for Indian culture, yet he did not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary. During his tenure, he implemented land reforms, defeated Pakistan in external conflicts, and changed the world's perception of the Hindu community's lack of martial prowess. The recovery of Portuguese Goa boosted the national confidence of India.
The precious historical value, I believe it is. Sir Barron silently reached out to take it, glancing at the patterns illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, seemingly quite impressed by them
Perhaps entering the various provinces of India for work would provide more freedom, but considering Allen Wilson's age, Sir Barron would also be cautious not to overstep due to personal connections. In the indirectly governed princely states of India within the British Empire, granting the other party a position of decent status would not appear too conspicuous and would not provide others with any leverage against him
Regarding Allen Wilson's father, Old Wilson quickly found a way to continue navigating the civil service system after escaping to India, ultimately establishing himself in Kolkata.
As Barron's words echoed, Allen Wilson became increasingly cautious, aware that his path lay entirely in the hands of the other party's thoughts
However, this is not Sir Barren's intention. The main reason for holding Allen Wilson in higher regard is the outbreak of the Bengal famine. British India has always experienced famines, but the Bengal famine two years ago resulted in the deaths of over 3 million people, coinciding with the time around the Battle of Imphal. Old Wilson can be said to bear significant responsibility, and Sir Barren, the head of British Indian civil servants working in the Governor's office, is equally culpable. The Bengal famine two years ago resulted in the deaths of over 3 million people, coinciding with the time around the Battle of Imphal. Old Wilson can be said to bear significant responsibility, and Sir Barren, the head of British Indian civil servants working in the Governor's office, is equally culpable.
If it were not for that war, Nehru might have truly transformed India into a vibrant and prosperous nation
How about this, considering your age, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even Delhi are a bit too prominent. Currently, there are seventeen provinces in India that are not suitable for you to start your work. However, for the sake of your father, I can allow you to start from a relaxed position, a job of considerable status. " Baron said while thinking, " How about you become the Commissioner of Hyderabad, what do you think? "
Allen Wilson felt a sense of relief, as due to his family's connections, he finally obtained what he desired at the governor's office. At that moment, Sir Barron spoke, "Do not be too quick to celebrate; I only have the right to recommend candidates. You should know that the final decision rests with Governor Weivel. If all goes well, I will inform you of good news in due course."
"Indeed, Sir Barron," Allen Wilson said solemnly, "compared to Gandhi, who constantly fantasized about pastoral life, Nehru's own thoughts are far more worthy of attention"
Allen Wilson's voice is not loud, yet it is incredibly firm. In fact, the current leaders of the Indian National Congress, Nehru, and the Muslim League, Ali Jinnah, are both very formidable political figures