![]() But Partition does not mean much to the Sikhs and Muslims of Mano Majra, a village on the border of India and Pakistan.” But as I turned over its last page, I felt at ease, relieved and lightened, as if a load had been lifted off my chest. Similar was the feeling when I got my hands on ‘Train to Pakistan’ by Khushwant Singh. The flashback haunts us one way or the other. His sacrifice and service remained untold and unseen.Normally, when we read the literature on the partition of India, we feel despondent and low-spirited over the virulent impact it had on the lives of innumerable people. The train carrying Nooran and fellow Muslims from Mano Majra went over him and on to Pakistan. In the dim light, he climbed onto the railings of the bridge and thereafter by hanging onto the rope he cut it despite the gun shots from the gangsters. Jugga took advantage of the early morning setting. They had tied the rope in between the two ends of the bridge to derail it from the track and then attack the passengers. The local Sikh gangsters were there for the execution of their plan of mass killing. He fought against the enemies within him and rushed to the bridge. While Iqbal and Hukum were stuck to their issues in their respective heads, Jugga took the call. It was necessary to take the decision at the spur of the moment by either Iqbal or Juggut or Hukum Chand as they were among the few who were aware of this plan. The air of communal violence spread all across the country had finally reached Mano Majra. The train that would be carrying Nooran and other Muslim fellows from Mano Majra as a part of their communal revenge. The despair doesn't end here as he is made aware about the plan of local gang of Sikhs to derail the train going to Pakistan. ![]() The news of Juggat's lover being sent to Pakistan comes to him as he gets to know via strange means that all Muslims are getting ready to be sent to Pakistan. The scene is painted contrast to the country which is painted with the blood of communal riots. It sabotages the essence of Mano Majra as they weren't parting from Muslims but from their fellow villagers. ![]() The plot has it's upheaval when the order of the expulsion of local Muslims to Pakistan comes. The only reason behind their arrest was the lackadaisical attitude of the police forces. Under the charges of murder, Iqbal and Juggut are arrested. The communal conflict starts in Mano Majra with the murder of local Hindu businessman. The shine that is incomparable to the glow of other characters in the novel. The most selfless action he does at the end of the novel for himself, his fellow villagers and his love ensures the shine of his character stays forever. Things have always been rough for him and certainly he isn't a protagonist coming in a shining armour yet shines the way no other character does in the novel. He was a local gangster in love with the blind Muslim tailor's daughter - Nooran. Juggut Singh was a starking contrast to the other two. Yet, he was incompetent and prey to his own weaknesses and vices. Being a district magistrate, he had a hand on everything. Hukum Chand is a complete man in the eyes of the society due to his stature. ![]() In the days of turmoil, one gets to see his insecurities and void within. His actions are far away from the reality, he creates in the minds of others. Iqbal, a social activist is an ideal man only in words. In this novel, he presents the conflict between idealism and realism via three characters - Iqbal, Hukum Chand and Juggut Singh who are contrasting to each other. Khushwant Singh, an author well known to present the unacceptable, unseen sides of the civilised society in the most sabotaging manner yet with a touch of brutal honesty has written this historical novel. But, is that all what the novel covers? Does it cover only the after effects of the partition? Does it make us realise that the true nature of a human being is realised most during the days of hardship? Does it paint all of us 'gray'? Migration isn't easy especially when one is moved without a security. The small novel glimpses into the lives of millions who were displaced, torn and sabotaged within a year of the partition. Both raped" An excerpt from the novel.īased on 1947 Partition - The partition of India and Pakistan - A division on the grounds of religion to safeguard political interests and protect the integrity of the nations! Mano MajraĪ fictional village on the border of India and Pakistan composed of Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims.Īll living peacefully until that one day!Īn attempt to analyse the historical novel: Both shot and stabbed and speared and clubbed. According to the Hindus, the Muslims were to blame. "Muslims said the Hindus had planned and started the killing.
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