Aftermath of Partition of British India
By Shreeya
Introduction: On August 15, 1947, after more than three hundred years of struggle under British rule, India was finally independent. Although a very joyous occasion, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceory of British India, decided to divide the country into two newly independent nations; Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Large-scale migration occurred as Muslims trekked to both West and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) while Hindus along with Sikhs headed in the opposite direction. Hundreds and thousands never made it due to the increased commotion and chaos ensued by the displacement. Across the Indian subcontinent, many cultural communities have co-existed for almost a millennium. However, during the partition, the two ‘sides’ attacked each other in a terrifying outbreak of communal violence. A mutual genocide was observed causing waves of grief. Massacres, forced conversions, mass abductions, sexual violence, arson, and separation of families are just some of the many atrocities that transpired. This led to long-lasting implications on cultural dynamics and instilled a sense of collective trauma.
History: Direct British rule in India began in 1858 when the East India Company was rebelled against. Initially, they aimed to promote Indian traditions while preserving British imperial interests. Unfortunately, as time progressed, the Englishmen continued to torment the Indians which led to an adamant need for independence . Non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements were carried out by the people to grant India self-governance and eventually, complete independence or Purna Swaraj. The partition of India was the result of a plethora of reasons including political, social and religious factors. The All-India Muslim League, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, demanded a separate state for Muslims as they believed that due to the strained relations between Hindus and Muslims, they could not co-exist harmoniously in the same country. What began as a political solution to communal tensions, soon became a humanitarian crisis. The upheaval not only affected people physically but also psychologically, as the horror of witnessing brutality left deep scars. The partition affected all the key aspects of humanity, including societal behaviour, international relations, and politics. Since the partition, both these nations have been in a constant state of conflict. They have also been engaged in a nuclear arms race, declining their regional stability. Four wars have also taken place between India and Pakistan - with the most significant one being the Kargil War in 1999. The mental health impact of the partition was long-lasting and instantaneous.
Psychological Effects of the Partition:
Trauma of Displacement - Atleast 14 million people were uprooted from their homes and were forced to leave their ancestral lands, possessions, and family members behind. This sudden disruption of life led to them having extreme psychological stress. A sense of individual as well as collective identity was lost. Treasures in the form of not only materialistic possessions but also culture, were lost. Refugees experienced a profound sense of loss.
Witnessing and Experiencing Violence - Extreme brutality against all people including women and children caused deep scars on the psyches of those who lived through it. Violence on the streets between Hindus and Muslims began to escalate rapidly. The state of Punjab became the principal center of violence. Many individuals witnessed mass killings, rapes and mutuations, resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for many survivors.
Survivor’s Guilt - During this period of incorrigible grief, many survivors of the partition were left with profound guilt. Those who lost family members or witnessed loved ones die during the migration experienced a sense of helplessness. The inability to protect their near and dear ones led to deep emotional turmoil. Such dark thoughts and memories consume them even after decades. Many survivors also struggled to rebuild their lives in unfamiliar territories.
Generational Trauma - The psychological effects faced by members of a family, were passed down to subsequent generations. Children of partition survivors often grew up in households with unresolved grief and anxiety. A sense of constant fear and vigilance to act upon said fear was instilled within them. Stories of the tough times endured by their ancestors created an atmosphere of emotional fragility. To date, many descendants of partition survivors still struggle with their mental health due to the negative implications caused by this event.
Impact on Cultural and National Identity - This event left an indelible mark on the collective identity of both India and Pakistan. The division between Hindus and Muslims became more prevalent and issues of communalism were brought up. Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on 14th August, just a day before that of India. But this particular date also carries the weight of unresolved trauma that has affected the mentality of several people living in both these countries. People who were part of tight-knit communities, found themselves in unfamiliar environments, making it difficult for them to adapt to the new cultural norms effortlessly. The loss of linguistic groups and traditions led to feelings of alienation as well.
Mental Health Stigma and Lack of Resources - The subject of mental health has been a taboo for years (at least in the Indian subcontinent) and was also neglected severely during the partition. The scale of trauma caused by the event could not be resolved with the help of existing mental health services. Additionally, this event occurred at a time when psychological care was uncared for, and so, no measures were taken to look after the mental well-being of the survivors. Physical ailments and behavioural changes were found to be common in them.
Conclusion: The cataclysmic partition of India was not just any political event, it shaped the lives and destinies of several families. Its profound psychological rupture continues to affect the mental health of societies across South Asia.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Dr. Nirmesh Desai, former head of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences in Delhi believes that most trauma survivors develop a high level of resistance and resilience. Based on his data, going through a situation like partition also instilled in them the drive and motivation to succeed and rebuild. Both remembering and forgetting are equally important.
In recent years, there has been a growing effort to document and commemorate the experience of partition survivors (mostly through history projects and memorials). This has created a safe space for collective healing and survivors have been able to share their stories, thereby finding a sense of closure. Books, documentaries, and films have also been created, allowing societies to engage with their trauma. It has also acted as a source of voice for the suffering endured by these courageous individuals. The legacy of the partitions serves as a reminder of the countless sacrifices made by our ancestors, the enduring impact of historical trauma, and yet addressing these scars in the pursuit of healing and reconciliation.
References:
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Dalrymple, W. (2015, June 22). The bloody legacy of Indian partition. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/29/the-great-divide-books-dalrymple
Kulik, R. M. (2024, August 16). Partition of India. Summary, Cause, Effects, & Significance Britannica.https://www.britannica.com/event/Partition-of-India
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https://asiasociety.org/magazine/article/ongoing-legacies-partition-british-india
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