Voices of the Silenced

Partition's Impact on Children

Abstract

The 1947 Partition of India, which was initially considered a diplomatic solution to religious and political tensions between Hindus and Muslims, quickly escalated into one of the most catastrophic human tragedies of the 20th century. The mass migration that followed not only led to the fragmentation of families but also the complete loss of homes and livelihoods, a trauma that left lasting scars on both nations. Unlike Punjab, the aftermath of the Partition in Bengal is still an ongoing phenomenon. The most susceptible to the catastrophe of Partition were the children and this part of history is less delved into. However, the memories of their tumultuous past are kept alive through storytelling that has been passed from one generation to another within their families. Their stories not only show different sides of the aftermath of Partition but also highlight the remarkable strength these children had in adjusting to life in a new and unfamiliar place. Through oral history methods (that is by collecting accounts of individuals who have witnessed the aftermath of Partition as children or adolescents) this paper seeks to explore how those in their formative years navigated and adapted to this profound historical upheaval while coming to terms with the newly drawn boundaries. This paper also attempts to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of Partition, exploring their complex impact on individuals and communities.