Caught Amidst Storm: Experiences of Children During Partition

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Partition of British India into two separate dominions- India and Pakistan, is the most crucial event of the history of Indian subcontinent. It resulted in one of the largest mass displacements and most brutal massacre, the world ever witnessed. Writers and researchers are still discussing and working on the subject of Partition, perhaps in a quest to find out various facets of it. It has been explored and analyzed through different point of views like that of women and marginalized communities. However, one of the most important perspectives is that of children which is somehow overlooked. Children’s experiences were marked by trauma and confusion. There were children who witnessed the horrible killings of their near and dear ones. The partition had a frightening effect on their innocent hearts. Many of them lost their homes and families and were thrown into a gorge of chaos and ruin or uncertain future. Children mostly were unable to figure out the reasons of the sudden evolution of violence and hatred. As we revisit partition narratives, it is essential to address and analyze the experiences of children so that their voices do not get lost in the pages of history. This research paper aims to understand the trauma and confusions of children during the violence of partition. It will explore the partition through the lenses of children with special reference to Veera Hiranandani’s ‘The Night Diary’ and Bapsi Sidhwa’s ‘Ice-Candy-Man’. Key Words- Children, Confusion, Displacement, Innocence, Violence.