Book Review: ‘The Kaurs of 1984’ by Sanam Sutirath Wazir

Book Title: The Kaurs of 1984: The Untold, Unheard Stories of Sikh Women
Author: Sanam Sutirath Wazir
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 978-9362130297
Date Published: Jun. 27, 2024
Price: INR 327

Book Review

Certain historical events leave an indelible mark on humanity, altering lives forever. Depending on the nature of these incidents, their impact can vary. In Indian history, following the harrowing tales of Partition, events such as Operation Blue Star, which culminated in the 1984 Sikh Riots, are among those that have left lasting wounds that remain fresh even today. In this connection, “The Kaurs of 1984: The Untold, Unheard Stories of Sikh Women“, by author Sanam Sutirath Wazir brings to the forefront the harrowing experiences of Sikh women during the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984. Through a tapestry of extensive interviews and historical research, Wazir pieces together the scattered and often overlooked stories of grief, betrayal, and loss endured by these women. This book serves as a powerful and moving account of the gendered violence that erupted during this dark chapter in Indian history.

Wazir’s narrative sheds light on the grim reality faced by Sikh women as they navigated the chaos and danger that enveloped Delhi. The conversations with survivors reveal heart-wrenching tales of women hiding or desperately searching for safety with their children. Those unfortunate enough to be caught by the mob faced abduction or rape, adding to the already devastating impact of the riots. The author draws a poignant parallel between the 1984 riots and the Partition violence of 1947, underscoring the cyclical nature of gendered violence in times of political unrest.

One of the striking aspects of Wazir’s work is the focus on how societal pressures further silenced these women. Families often forced them to remain silent to protect the family’s honor, fearing social ostracization if the truth were revealed. This systemic silencing compounded the trauma, as these women were denied the opportunity to speak out and seek justice. The book delves into the historical timeline of the attacks, detailing how mobs targeted gurdwaras and Sikh establishments, and mercilessly killed Sikhs, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds living in slum colonies in the trans-Yamuna area.

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Wazir’s research takes him across North India, where he meets numerous women who lived through these harrowing events. These women, many of whom continue to fight invisible battles for justice, share their stories of grief and resilience. The book finally brings Sikh women out of the shadows of contemporary Indian history, giving them a voice and ensuring their stories are heard. It is a powerful testament to their strength and an essential addition to the historical record of the 1984 riots.

The personal accounts within the book are both heart-wrenching and empowering. Through these oral histories, readers hear the voices of those who survived, those who lost loved ones, and those who have continued to fight for justice. Among them is Mustafa, who witnessed chaos in Trilokpuri, where human bodies burned in bonfires. She spent a day at the railway station counting the bodies of Sikhs who were pulled from trains, burned alive, and placed back in the coaches, tallying 200 dead in one day. The book also includes an interview with Dr. Gurdeep Kaur, daughter of the late President Giani Zail Singh, who recalled feeling scared and threatened during that tumultuous period.

Wazir’s evocative prose captures the emotional depth of each woman’s journey, painting a vivid picture of their trauma, resilience, and solidarity. The book does not shy away from the brutality faced by these women but also highlights their strength and determination to overcome such adversity.

In conclusion, “The Kaurs of 1984” is a poignant and necessary exploration of the untold stories of Sikh women during a dark chapter in Indian history. Wazir’s meticulous research and compassionate storytelling not only chronicle their suffering but also celebrate their resilience and courage. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of political violence and the indomitable spirit of those who survived it. Sanam Sutirath Wazir’s compassionate storytelling will leave a lasting impact on readers, ensuring that the stories of “The Kaurs of 1984” are never forgotten.

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