Canonizing Partition

The Partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 remains a defining and deeply traumatic event in South Asian history, shaping the identities, politics, and cultures of the region in profound ways. It is often regarded as one of the most significant and tragic events of the 20th century, leading to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan, and later the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971. Partition was accompanied by unprecedented violence, mass displacement, and enduring communal tensions, leaving scars that continue to influence South Asia's social fabric and political dynamics. The event is not merely a historical moment but also a cornerstone of collective memory and identity in the region, representing a complex interplay of colonialism, nationalism, and sectarian politics. 

The study of Partition has grown into a multidisciplinary field, encompassing history, literature, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Academic research on Partition has evolved significantly over the decades. Historians initially focused on the political negotiations, colonial policies, and nationalist movements that led to the division. However, later studies shifted attention to the human cost of Partition, emphasizing oral histories, personal narratives, and local experiences. This shift highlights the importance of voices often marginalized in official records, such as those of women, lower castes, and rural populations. Sociological and anthropological studies have further expanded the field by investigating the long-term effects of Partition on migration, community relations, and identity formation. Themes such as refugee rehabilitation, cross-border connections, and the role of memory in shaping collective identities have emerged as critical areas of inquiry. Narratological and fictional representations, on the other hand, have played a pivotal role in preserving and interpreting the emotional and psychological dimensions of Partition. Such texts often reveal the complexity of psychosocial relationships and offer alternative ways of engaging with history, emphasizing subjective experiences and emotional "truths" that complement scholarly analyses.

The historiography of and different disciplinary takes on Partition reflect the contested nature of its memory and meaning. Funded by the (Indian) Ministry of Education's SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) program, this project delves into various dimensions of understanding and canonizing Partition. By examining its representation and remembrance across scholarly, narratological, historiographical, and fictional domains, this project aims to contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Partition's legacy:  how Partition has been memorialized, contested, and understood in the public discourse. Led by invetigators from across diverse disciplinary backgrounds and spread across three continents, it aims to bridge disciplinary boundaries and foster collaborative research on Partition. The project also emphasizes the importance of transnational and comparative perspectives, recognizing that Partition's impact extends national boundaries in and beyond South Asia. The migration patterns, diasporic connections, and global resonances of Partition underline its relevance to broader discussions about displacement, identity, and postcolonialism.

For further questions and clarifications, please contact Avishek Ray (the project PI) at avishekray@hum.nits.ac.in.