Portrayal of Partition and Human Emotions by Khushwant Singh in 'Train to Pakistan'

Abstract

The partition of India and Pakistan is a highly debatable event, the decision of partition was taken in haste and the concerns of masses that were really going to be affected were not given enough time to make preparations of the unknown journey they had to take. Thus, they began their independence by being abandoned, looted, killed or ravished by people belonging to different religions. Actually, they became preys of the religious tensions aroused and designed by few fanatic leaders, who created a rift between Hindus and Muslims. Vandals also took undue advantage as they freely looted the masses and killed people. Even, girls and women became an easy victim to be insulted and humiliated as they were publically raped and brutally killed. Humanity seemed to be dead and silent. But, amidst this communal frenzy, still there were few people who retained their emotions and humane values and were not ready to be a part of massacre or riots or vandalism. And amongst them was Jugga or Juggut Singh, who appeared as a real martyr as he went against his own community with unshaken faith and virtues alive in him. On the other hand, there were other non-Muslim Manomajrans who didn't want to hurt their fellow villagers yet, they were dumbstruck by the contemporary events. This paper is an attempt to show a victory of human feelings as the feelings of love, attachment, compassion over the agonies of partition.