Plot Summary
In Tamas, a laborer is tricked into killing a pig, and its carcass is placed at the entrance of a mosque, sparking violent communal riots between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs during the Partition of 1947. Once harmonious neighbors turn against each other, driven by deep-seated hatred. The political tensions rise as the Muslim League demands a separate nation for Muslims, while the Congress Party insists on secularism and the RSS promotes Hindu nationalism, all amidst the indifference of the British colonial government, which claims non-interference in religious matters. The novel portrays the tragic consequences of this violence, such as the senseless murder of a blind Muslim man. Characters like Dev Datt, a communist, highlight that the middle class will suffer the most, as the poor and the wealthy have different priorities. Young Ranvir, a member of the RSS, is initiated into the party by killing a hen, falsely emboldened to participate in the violence. Meanwhile, Harnam Singh and his wife Banto, the only Sikh couple in their village, confront their prejudices when they seek refuge in a Muslim household. Liza, the deputy commissioner's wife, struggles to distinguish between Hindu and Muslim servants, emphasizing the superficial nature of religious divisions. Amidst this chaos, the Communist Party endeavors to unite communities, pointing out the British role in inciting the unrest and urging cooperation to end the violence. Ultimately, the novel depicts the devastating impact of the riots on individuals and communities, leaving a profound and lasting effect on society.Detailed Summary
Tamas, a novel by Bhisham Sahni, delves into the darkness ("Tamas" in Sanskrit) of the communal riots that erupted in Pakistan during the Partition of 1947. The story is fictional but draws heavily from real events witnessed by the author himself. The novel explores the deep-seated animosity between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, exacerbated by the British strategy of divide and rule.
The story begins with a laborer being deceived into killing a pig, whose carcass is then placed at the entrance of a mosque. This act ignites one of the most horrific communal riots of the Partition era. Once peaceful neighbors, Hindus and Muslims, who used to trade and socialize together, now turn against each other with a desire to annihilate entire communities.
The narrative is based on a true incident witnessed by Sahni. His vivid descriptions of the characters and events evoke a strong sense of empathy for the victims. One particularly poignant scene involves an elderly blind Muslim man, who is murdered simply for walking with a young Hindu boy and discussing the significance of different scents.
The novel portrays the political dynamics of the time, with the Muslim League advocating for an independent Pakistan as a safe haven for Muslims and mocking the Congress party as a Hindu organization. The Congress party, in turn, clings to its secular ideals, refusing to accept a religious label. Meanwhile, the RSS criticizes both the Congress and the Muslim League. Among these political entities, the Communist Party stands out for its logical approach, striving to unite all parties to quell the riots and highlighting the role of the British in fueling the unrest.
Several memorable moments in the novel include:
- Dev Datt, a communist, explaining that the middle class suffers the most during riots, as laborers are too focused on daily survival to care about religion, while the upper class remains sheltered and aware of British intentions.
- Ranvir, a young RSS member, earns his place among the "warriors" by killing a hen, which instills in him a false sense of courage and pride, leading him to believe that "killing is easy."
- Harnam Singh and his wife Banto, the only Sikh couple in their village, flee to a nearby town and find refuge in a Muslim household. The old Muslim woman who shelters them offers buttermilk, but Banto hesitates, thinking, "How can we drink from a Muslim's cup?" This internal conflict highlights the deep-seated prejudices. The Muslim woman offers them their own utensil, prompting tears from the couple.
- Conversations between Liza, the wife of the deputy commissioner, and her husband Richard illustrate the arbitrary nature of religious differences. When Liza struggles to distinguish between Hindu and Muslim servants based on their names, it underscores the superficiality of their differences. Throughout the novel, the indifference of the British government is evident as they claim non-interference in the religious affairs of their subjects.