I recently finished reading the first book of Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar, Lahore. While I did not like the book for certain reasons (maybe I should write a review? Ah well…), with our 75th Independence Day coming in just a couple of weeks, I am glad I picked up this book (definitely not realising its connection to the upcoming event). This book has triggered a chain of thoughts and questions about the topic which I had always wanted to explore more but could not get motivation for – Partition of India. Well, what could be better than this Diamond Jubilee of Independence?
It is no secret that the partition of India was a painful experience for those who suffered it and those who felt its ripples across generations. It was ignited with hatred and fraught with suffering. The politicians till date play the blame game and really it’s easy to heap the blame on one faction or another for convenience. But, history is hardly ever convenient because the truths are lost among the dust of time, blown away to obscurity. There are written records, yes – after all, the partition of India is hardly an ancient history. But, written records can be tainted with bias, misinformation or plain lack of knowledge. There are ever so many literature on partition that detail the events of the past, but only reader can sift through – and even then bias is present from reader’s perspective because you will only believe what you want to believe. And, with current situation of India, everyone wants to believe what is suitable for them (and to use twisted facts to their ends) and not the truth.
Regardless, I had to start somewhere. Because I cannot begin sifting (with certain biases of my own no doubt but with perspectives in consideration too) until I start with some materials – the popular accounts at any rate. That is why, I have started reading an Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor. I had an impression before buying it that it would an account of British Raj over India. But, after reading the preface it seems, it’s more of a criticism of the Raj than mere account – another bias. Nevertheless, a place to start. I also got Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, which I already have an idea is more British inclined than others, but again, a partition book without bias or rather a history book without bias is difficult to come across. So this is where the sifting begins…
I will try to document my reading journey here – another attempt to keep this blog alive or rather growing. And, maybe if you, my dear readers, know of better books about partition, do share about them in the comments below.
Happy 75th Independence Day in advance!