Courage in Chaos

Men and women of all classes, castes, and cultures facing the impact of the disaster showed impressive political action independent of the ‘normal’ alignments and pathways. In a very complex and threatening environment, the ordinary played courageous historical roles with every passing hour. The survivors struggled to endure the disastrous consequence while developing highly sophisticated support and governing processes that were often distinct from those framed by the ruling political class. Usually, their performance left substantial traces; sometimes, their footprints were hidden but no less real. Their struggles left a mark on our social institutions, cultural conventions, and political practices. This monograph is a small step towards excavating and archiving this multifaceted history of the common during the times of ruptures and repairs.