Exploring Female Individuality and Dual Representation of Women in Bapsi Sidhwa’s Novel Cracking India
Author : V Jibin Monish and Dr. M Kannadhasan
Abstract :
Following the 1947 Partition of British India, which resulted in the formation of India and Pakistan, there was a significant escalation in ethnic violence to an unimaginable extent. Prior to and following the establishment of independent nation-states, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs committed numerous acts of homicide, abduction, sexual assault, and arson, resulting in a significant but unknown number of casualties. The period preceding and following the establishment of “independent” nation-states witnessed similar atrocities. Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel Cracking India, renowned for its profound portrayal of violence during the Partition, serves as a valuable resource for studying such violence due to its comprehensive description of many strata of Lahore society before to and following the city’s integration into Pakistan. The narrative encompasses events that occurred both prior to and subsequent to the city’s integration into Pakistan.
Cracking India juxtaposes feminine identities. Because of her involvement in the Partition, Lenny’s mother possesses great strength. Nevertheless, Lenny’s mother fulfils the role of a compliant, devoted, and dutiful spouse to her husband. Lenny’s mother was involved in the partition. Ayah also presents a contradictory perspective on femininity. Initially, we observe how her charm captivates a varied assortment of men. Following her abduction and transformation into a dancing girl, she endures torment from her acquaintances and admirers, including Imam Din and Sharbat Khan. Additionally, she is wedded to an individual known as the Ice-Candy man. As a result, she is stripped of all power and is unable to exercise any form of judgment.
Keywords :
Dual representation, kidnapping, female individuality, partition
