ABSTRACT
This study attempts at analyzing the process of reimagining and reproducing the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and Pakistan in 1971 in the textbooks at school level during the dictatorial regimes of Zia and Musharraf. What has appealed me to draw temporal, spatial, and thematic limitations for this research? To begin with, the dictatorial regimes, are believed to, have deeply relied on manipulating the Textbook Boards to further their agendas. Moreover, both the dictators are deemed to be opposing ideologues – e.g., Zia – a fanatic ruler – radicalized the textbooks while Musharraf – a champion of “Enlightened Moderation” – tried to deradicalize the curriculum. Additionally, partitions present two different scenarios for a fascinating comparison – e.g., in 1947, Pakistan was an emergent state while in 1971, a parent state. The content analysis of the textbooks reveals that both the regimes adopted Hegel’s “philosophical” approach of treating history – selecting the personalities, events, or periods of their choice while excluding or discarding the other – to reinforce the national narrative. It further suggests that the state-sponsored curriculum fosters religious nationalism, rather than secular nationalism, which, subsequently, nurtures majoritarian nationalism and bolsters the process of othering the minority groups in the country.
ABSTRACT
The subcontinental divide in 1947 left deep scars on South Asians, especially the generation that went through the bloody transition during the immigration process. Its impacts can still be seen in literary and political discourses on both sides of the border. This study examines the text of Khadija Mastoor’s Urdu novel, Zameen with the uncertainties, and mendacities the process of migrancy created. It also analyses the deeply rooted patriarchal structures, reinforced by state ideological thrust, that impacts millions of Pakistani women, as delineated in the novel. First, it establishes conceptual underpinnings within the context of feminist struggles against the subjugation of women in the new state. Secondly, it appraises the ubiquitous nature of mendacities triggered by migrancy along with its related bearings on Pakistani society. The study analyses the novel’s text as a research methodology for comprehending the trauma of partition conveyed through its plot and characters.