International Journal of Diverse Discourses

Saadat Hasan Manto’s Short Stories: Exploring Partition

Author(s): Md. Naymul Islam

Publication Date: June 30, 2025

Abstract

This paper delves into the complex literary narratives surrounding the partition of India and Pakistan, with a particular focus on the seminal works of Saadat Hasan Manto. It underscores the importance of literature, especially Manto's renowned short stories "Toba Tek Singh" , “khol Do” “Khuda ki Qasm”, Thanda Gosht” as the critical frameworks for dissecting the psychological and sociocultural consequences of this historical watershed. Partition is framed as an apocalyptic rupture of identity, with land serving as a poignant symbol of both belonging and loss. Manto's narratives powerfully convey the traumatic realities faced by individuals during this chaotic epoch, addressing themes of displacement, psychological trauma, and the absurdity of arbitrary national boundaries. Through an analytical lens on Manto’s storytelling techniques, this study seeks to illuminate the lingering impacts of the partition on cultural identity and mental health, highlighting literature's essential role in safeguarding collective memory while articulating the intricacies of human experience amid violence and upheaval. Furthermore, the research aspires to expand the discourse on partition literature by integrating perspectives from both sides of the newly established borders, emphasizing the shared suffering and dislocation experienced by communities throughout the subcontinent.

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