Intersecting Realities: Exploring Partition Narratives

Abstract

The present study investigates the representation of Partition narratives in literary novels. This study focuses on important works that attempt to disentangle the complex relationships between space and narrative in the representation of the 1947 Partition of India, including "Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh, "Azadi" by Chaman Nahal, "The Shadow Lines" by Amitav Ghosh, and "A Bend in the Ganges" by Manohar Malgonkar. This study attempts to elucidate how these writers employ geographical dimensions to portray the socio-political complexity, personal experiences, and communal memories connected to Partition using a multidimensional approach. The research will examine how spaces—both real and imagined—become effective means of expressing themes such as trauma, identity crises, displacement, and the search for belonging in the face of Partition's chaos. This study aims to offer light on the various viewpoints and voices present in Partition literature by investigating the relationship between space and narrative devices like setting, imagery, and symbolism. By closely examining the text and applying critical interpretation, it aims to provide fresh perspectives on how literary representation might influence readers' comprehension of historical events and human experiences. By clarifying the ways in which spatial dynamics and narrative techniques interact to produce rich and complex representations of one of the most important periods in South Asian history, this study ultimately seeks to further the conversation on Partition literature.