Must read books and short stories about the partition
Aug 8, 2024
Credit: TOI
The Partition
In August 1947, British India was granted independence but divided into India and Pakistan. However, this event was much more than just a geographical demarcation. Millions of people were displaced, and thousands of lives were lost due to the placement of the Radcliffe line. The literature on the partition is widely available across languages and topics. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Credit: TOI
Toba Tek Singh by Manto
Manto takes us to an insane asylum, of all places, to mirror the absurdity of the Partition. This short story is a masterclass in satire and the writer’s use of irony while referring to the existential crises faced by people who were caught in the middle of the event will surely catch you off-guard.
Credit: TOI
The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India
Urvashi Butalia's The Other Side of Silence collects personal accounts from survivors of the Partition, shedding light on the human impact of the event. Through interviews and oral histories, Butalia presents a poignant and necessary examination of the voices often left unheard.
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Remnants of a Separation
Remnants of a Separation by Aanchal Malhotra revisits history through objects that people carried with them during the partition. The author is the granddaughter of the founders of the iconic Bahrisons bookstore and has included her own family’s experiences in the book.
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Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai
Anita Desai's Clear Light of Day explores the Partition through the lens of family dynamics and personal memories. Set in Old Delhi, the novel will take you through the lingering effects of the Partition on individuals and families.
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Tamas by Bhishan Sahni
Tamas is a profoundly haunting narrative that encapsulates the turmoil of the Partition. It vividly portrays the intense communal discord and the human anguish that ensued from the event. Govind Nihalani’s 1988 film of the same name is based on this book.
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Jadein by Ismat Chughtai
Ismat Chughtai's Jadein (Roots) is a story set in Marwar. It is an intensely personal exploration of identity and belonging through the life of the narrator’s mother, who refused to pack up and leave her home.
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<a href="https://bookshop.org/a/132/9780813525525">Borders & Boundaries: Women in India’s Partition</a>
Ritu Menon and Kamala Bhasin's Borders & Boundaries focuses on the experiences of women during the Partition. By highlighting the gendered nature of Partition violence, this book offers a crucial perspective on the historical narrative.
Credit: TOI
Pinjar by Amrita Pritam
Amrita Pritam's Pinjar tells the story of Pooro, a young woman abducted during the Partition. The novel explores themes of identity, displacement, and resilience, providing a deeply moving account of the female experience during this turbulent time.
Credit: TOI
Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
Train to Pakistan is an iconic piece of literature that captures the brutality and humanity of the Partition. Set in a small village on the border, the novel depicts the communal harmony and subsequent violence that erupts, offering a powerful commentary on the event.
Credit: TOI