Exploring Identity and Belonging in the Context of Partition of 1947: A Social Identity Theory Analysis of 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh

Abstract

This study explores the theme of identity and belonging in Khushwant Singh’s novel, ‘Train to Pakistan’, by investigating how the characters develop their sense of identity and belonging within the socio-political context of the Partition of India in 1947. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, analyzing the novel through close reading and thematic analysis. The study applies the Social Identity Theory to examine the novel’s categorization, social comparison, and identification processes. The research reveals that religious, cultural, and national affiliations significantly influence the characters’ identities and sense of belonging. It highlights the complexities of identity construction during conflict and demonstrates that characters’ identities are subject to external categorizations. However, the study also observes the characters’ agency in negotiating their identities and challenging societal expectations. The study explores identity dynamics, emphasizing the importance of social and contextual factors in shaping individual and collective identities, particularly within historical and cultural narratives.