Memories of a Lost Home: Intizar Husain’s Basti
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Date
2016-12
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TechMind Research Society , Journal of English Language and Literature
Abstract
-In this paper, Intizar Husain’s novel on Partition, Basti is examined which depicts the human denouement that
followed Partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The novel looks back at the aftermath of Partition after more than two
decades, talks about the turmoil caused by the socio-political situation in Pakistan and the realization that the Partition was
an ever going on event. The process of separate homeland for Muslims, the chief motive that resulted in Partition, was
reversed with the secession of Bangladesh. Partition and migration have failed to provide stability to the migrants. Intizar
Husain has recaptured the agony of Partition after a lapse of two decades. The novel, dealing with the Muslim perspective of
Partition, depicts the plight of the members of the community who crossed over to Pakistan with the euphoria of the creation
of a separate homeland, fail to realise their hopes. Feeling of alienation has been delineated in a highly subtle manner.