Patriotism, Partition and the Persecuted: Social Biography of Victims of Partition

This book explores the theme of brutal persecution of a Hindu family in East Pakistan and the uncompromising efforts of Muslim friends and neighbors to protect them. It is set against the backdrop of the two-nation theory and the 1947 partition of India, leading to prolonged separation and sufferings for half-families living on both sides of the borders. Despite the violent communal aggression, Muslim friends continued to protect the family, until one was killed by religious fanatics in Bangladesh. The book serves as a reminder of the self-sacrificing efforts of compatriots and the tragic separation that followed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 07 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound theme of relentless persecution endured by a Hindu family, on the one hand, and the unwavering solidarity of their Muslim friends and neighbors, on the other. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events following the propagation of the two-nation theory and the subsequent partition of India in 1947, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of barbaric forces unleashed. The story revolves around the social biography of a Hindu family who remained in East Pakistan, tracing their journey as they became marginalized in their country of birth and faced relentless persecution. This marginalization, often labeled as "other," led to a portion of the family migrating to India, seeking refuge from their natal roots. However, the 1965 India-Pakistan war exacerbated their separation, causing prolonged suffering for these half-families residing on both sides of the borders. In India, they faced helplessness, uncertainty, and poverty, while in Pakistan, they faced state-sponsored apathy, coercion, arrests, and physical tortures. Despite the vicious atmosphere of violent communal aggression, the Muslim friends stood steadfast in their protection of the Hindu family. Tragically, when a Muslim friend was assassinated by religious fanatics in the newly liberated Bangladesh, the remaining member of the Hindu family recognized the need to leave their motherland and return to India, where they ultimately passed away with the longing to reclaim their homeland. Despite the enduring violence and tragic separation that followed, the indomitable memories of the self-sacrificing efforts of the compatriots serve as a poignant reminder of the shared history and collective living in the Indian subcontinent.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032545905