Purity of Partition

Basti avoids direct and explicit mention on the psychological and physical violence characteristic of partition as compared to other works written on partition for instance Saadat Manto’s afsaanas. The description of this new country is very soothing and pleasing for the reader as well. Partition has been linked to purity, spotlessness and timelessness in Basti. It is clear through the description given “woh din isse bohot pakeeza nazar aaya” when Zakir tries to remember the first day of partition. In his memory, everything appears so neat and pure in relation to his first day in Pakistan. His walk through Anarkali bazaar alleviates his mood and delights him “Issay iss nayi zameen per chalnay meh kitni lazat mil rahi thi”. He also loses track of time while trying to engross every aspect of this “nayi zameen”. The notion of stability and tranquility prevails “jub Pakistan abhi naaya naaya tha, Jub Pakistan ka asamaan taaza tha”. Mass migration even appears to be very subtle and calm like a peaceful river flowing into and dispersing in Pakistan “Roz koi kaflaa shehr meh dakhil hota aur galiyon muhalon meh bikhar jaata”.