To the Edge and Back

This book examines the 1962 India-China war, a saga of failure at multiple levels, from political and diplomatic miscalculations to military leadership's neglect of basic military principles. It traces the historical background of the boundary dispute, the build-up of tensions, and the war's outbreak. Despite the overall disaster, the book highlights the bravery and steadfastness of junior leaders and soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds, upholding the army's esprit de corps. The book is written for the lay reader, avoiding military jargon, making it accessible to students, youth, and anyone interested in understanding the dispute and war. It honors the sacrifices of the 1,383 soldiers who lost their lives, 1,696 who went missing, and 3,968 who were captured, including 36 who died in captivity.