Mid 1940s were the most violent years of India when neighbors looted, killed, converted and raped neighbors, friends betrayed their friends and when men and women were reduced to the base animals in spirits as well as in forms. More than a million were killed, about 15 million people were forced to vacate their homelands and about hundred thousands women were abducted and raped. The two great religions were used by fanatics of all shades to unleash the barbarity of human spirit. Centuries ago invading armies used to commit these kind of atrocities but in 1946/47 these were perpetrated by the common people confirming 'banality of evil'. There have been many films, stories, poems etc produced on this tragic event of human history. Some films are really good like 'Khamosh Pani', 'Garam Hawa', 'Pinjar' etc.
'Tamas' written by Bheeshm Sahni is one such narrative on partition riots in Rawalpindi though written about 25 years later. It shows how common people were made to believe that their own neighbours were their enemies. How politicians did nothing to prevent the impending riot. How government machinery did nothing to put the culprits behind the bars and take preventive action. How a village got divided in two religious groups ready to cut the throats of others. It was true then and it is true now. Its an often repeated tragedy and we have not learned even after killing so many people in these riots. Every year or so major riot takes place in India though killings do not reach extremes of 1947 but even a single killing is a blot on all of us. Indian state stands strong but riot is an outcome a mere symptom of the underline fissure that continues to divide great Indian society based on religion.
Highly Recommended (10/10)
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