Communal Tension and the Politics of Harmony: A Study of Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas

Abstract

The article is an attempt to explore communal tension between Hindus and Muslims or Sikhs and Muslims and political endeavors to establish peace in the society. The novel is an example of triangular politics during Partition hours or better Indian Independence struggle. On one hand there is British colonial agency which rules over the principle of divide-and-rule, on the other, there is the Muslim League which demands a separate Islamic nation Pakistan and the third major political representation is shown through the Congress. All the three agencies are in some or the other way in search of power and this hunt for power sows the seeds of hatred against people, animals and religious places which cause communal tensions and anarchy in the society. In spite of ideological differences, these political agencies along with their comrades try their best to establish peace and order. In the novel, we have various examples of harmonious relations among all communities. Khudabakhsh and Raghunadh have very warm feelings to each other while people like Murad Ali, the cause of communal riots, are the black sheep for any community. Bakshiji and the General represent Gandhism and nonviolence. They stand for the true spirit of India above the sectarian identities of people. Bakshiji, Hayat Baksh, Dev Dat, Aziz, etc., make all possible efforts to stop riots through their politics of harmony