1947: A Short Novel

This short novel deals with the colossal tragedy which befell Punjab when Independence came to India in 1947. The communal instinct of leaders led to the dismemberment of Punjab. In the inter-communal violence which broke out, one million human beings were slaughtered, hundreds of thousands of women were abducted and raped, properties worth billions of rupees were looted and twenty million people were torn from their roots and violently pushed across the new border into India or Pakistan. In the words of writer Nirad C. Chaudhuri, the Partition "was the greatest injury inflicted on the Indian people in two thousand years" However, in the midst of this murderous frenzy there were many in whose hearts kindness welled up for the hapless victims. Finally, the book drives home the truth that love is a great blessing in misfortune which unites the sufferers in a soothing embrace. '1947' depicts a realistic picture of the politician- made calamity, which has been largely obfuscated. All the incidents described in the story have actually happened. The book also gives a peep into the life and psyche of a community that has, throughout its existence, faced endless ordeals with courage and strength which flow from its religious faith.