Tamas by Bhisham Sahni

This book called Tamas (Darkness) by Bhisham Sahni is labeled as modern classic. Truth to be told, the first word that crossed my mind when I see that word “classic” is “boring”. So in mathematical term (at least in my mind); classic = boring :-). But this isn’t the case for Tamas and it has changed my perception forever after I read this beautiful book written by one of the most prolific writer from India. It is considered classic for its no-nonsense description of religious brutality inflicted on everyone prior to the partitioning of India and Pakistan.

In this novel; which started from the point of the killing of a pig by Nanthu for supposedly clinical examination though unbeknownst to him, there are ulterior motives behind the big reward for his “hard work”. The slain pig was found thrown on the steps of a village mosque and thus started the chain reaction of unforeseen proportion. Neighbours who have lived in the same village for decades suddenly found themselves alienated and lines were drawn between the religious borderline.

In-fighting were rapt and killings were initiated and carried out based on rumour and hearsay. War-mongering personnel worked behind the line and tip-toed from one village to the other whispering discontent to pricked ears. Families were shattered, lives were lost. Discontent grew into pure hatred and old flames of religious fervor turned into pure action.

However, Bhisham also managed to capture the very sentiment of human relationship when those from different religions stopped as they face with the impossibility of murdering someone whom they’ve known or contacted throughout their lives as neighbours. There were also a group of good natured Congress members who tried to mend the ways before, during and after the breakout with members slain and sacrificed in the name of peace.

British influences were minimal to quell the fire though in the end, the fighting was stopped just by an act of flying an airplane over the villages and imposing curfews on the fighting-torn villages. End chapters depict the path of recovery where neighbours no longer trust each other and subjugated civilians looked to their British masters as savior amongst the ruin.

This is a book where stark realities of depressed religious fervor are very much alive in each and every one of us. As one stand-up comedian once said (I forgot which stand-up comedian said it though); “religious wars are fought to determine who has the best invisible friend”. I truly believe that every religion preaches only peace and love among us. I guess this is what Bhisham Sahni wanted to convey in this novel. A truly recommended read and a true classic indeed.

Personal rating: 10 out of 10

Cons:
1) None that I can think of.

Pros:
1) A classic book that everyone should read and savour first-hand. Period.