Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection “Interpreter of Maladies” examines the lives of many Indian Americans with reference to the current sociopolitical state of the new world. In short, these short stories are the telling’s of identity crises among those who were shocked by western ideals and society.
More specifically; “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” delves into bias and discrimination. “Interpreter of Maladies” analyzes how western culture affects Indian values related to religion. “Sexy” examines how a young American woman is drawn to an Indian man for his exoticism. “A Real Durwan” examines how a group of Indian immigrants’ outcast a woman for being of lower class because she reminds them of a place in societal culture others wish all of them to be. “Mrs. Sens” examines the resentfulness and stress of adapting to western culture. “The Third and Final Continent” looks into how adopting and embracing western culture can lead to a resentment towards Indian culture.
In Summary, these stories were written in response to The Partition of India of 1947. The release of control over India from the British empire lead to the development of Pakistan, populated by mostly Muslims. The Republic of India was populated mostly by Hindus. It was those in power such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who believed that in order for peace to be possible, Muslims would need their own state. Millions and millions of people were found homeless because of this. Most were forced to flee the country because of growing tensions and violence. This began one of the greatest migrations in human history. Many attacks of terror were performed by both parties. The brutalities and unrest became abhorrent. Pregnant women had their breasts cut off and children out of their stomach. Abductions, massacres, and sexual violence ensued. Even now 50 years after the Partition of India, Pakistani extremists have performed attacks on Indian territory.
Such ensued what is known as a “mutual genocide”. This event, in turn, forced many Indians out of their country to find new homes. The effects this has on their identity is described by Lahiri in “Interpreter of Maladies”.
Works Cited:
Dalrymple, W., Mishra, P., & Coll, S. (2015, June 22). The mutual genocide of Indian partition. The New Yorker. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/29/the-great-divide-books-dalrymple.
1947 partition of India & Pakistan. The 1947 Partition Archive – Spotlight at Stanford. (2017, June 12). Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://exhibits.stanford.edu/1947-partition/about/1947-partition-of-india-pakistan.
Hello.
The Partition of India sounds brutal. I thought the Partition had simply divided India and Pakistan into two countries. I never knew genocides happened after the Partition. The horrific actions you listed are hard to imagine. I also never realized millions of people were homeless during the violence. Homelessness sounds scary, especially when terror attacks happen from both your home and “enemy” country. Hopefully, Pakistan and India can resolve their issues peacefully someday.