Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

Identity and Indigenous Culture: A Study of Khushwant Singh's 'Train to Pakistan' and Bapsi Sidhwa's ' Ice-Candy-Man' Intellectuals in postcolonial societies reveal an urgent need to define themselves, both against the identity of their colonial past and against international modernism. The Partition of India was the watershed event of South Asian history. Out of the conflict grew a rich literary tradition shared by the two nations. Research is conducted to reveal how the cultural, religious and national backgrounds of authors are reflected in their works. Khushwant Singh's `Train to Pakistan' and Bapsi Sidhwa's 'Ice-Candy-Man' are an unusual passage to India which transport the reader to the hearts of the Sikh and Parsi communities respectively. The factor that postcolonial discourse theory still continues to find traces in the works of various authors and poets across the world, leads one to analyze works. This study focuses on the work of authors of the sub- continent and the theme of migration and partition. 'Ice-Candy-Man' by Bapsi Sidhwa and `Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh provide one an opportunity to get close to the hearts and minds of the people who experienced Partition in the sub-continent. This thesis explores the themes of identity and indigenous culture as they have been positioned in various situations and experiences of Lenny and Juggat, the central characters of both novels, before and after partition. The narrations of the Parsee girl, Lenny, and the Sikh young man, Juggat, are situated in the wider cultural context of Muslims and Hindus, at a critical juncture of history. Their stories are coming from the peripheries of the minority society that they represent, and address the centre which takes all the decisions for them. They represent a feminist point of view and male discourse. This thesis analyzes these stories with the postcolonial discourse theory, and takes note of the use of English language by the authors; looks into reasons of writing the novels in English, as it has been appropriated and abrogated in the local context and setting. The thesis takes into account the autobiographical nature of the historical novels, and the discursive narrative by indicating similarity of events. A particular event may be seen from the perspective of history as well as from the point of view of personal experience. The differences appear concerning the beliefs of the authors, their approach towards various things, their own mental attitude or particular approach of analysis; their psychological set up or even psychological problems find expression in writing. The theme of migration and independence in subcontinent authors addresses the birth of conflicts that surround the peoples of both India and Pakistan even today. An insight into the works and backgrounds of Sidhwa and Singh contextualizes these concerns and issues, and helps pinpoint areas which need to be addressed in everyday discourse whether social, political or literal. The dissertation analyzes the standings of these works within the postcolonial literary scenario. It focuses on the use of language as a tool for representation of identity and culture through literary discourse. The research studies and enhances the dilemma faced by the postcolonial authors in using the language of the former colonizers (English) as a means to achieve recognition in the literary world. English language acts as a device for the repressed feelings and emotions of the people to be expressed. Thesis cumulates the point that the former colonized people have found a voice for their unheard and unrecognized identity, in the form of their literary discourse.

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