Ahimsa and its Failure: A Psychoanalytic Study of Partition in Manohar Malgonkar’s A Bend in the Ganges

Volume 1 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2021

Abstract

Aim: My paper would study the shocking disparity between the two roles Ahimsa had to play. First being the political ideology, it managed to succeed whereas as a tool for spiritual transformation it failed miserably. Methodology: The paper will employ a psychoanalytical perspective to explore this dichotomy in both pre and post partitioned India in Manohar Malgonkar’s A Bend in the Ganges. Outcome: It is not sufficient to understand Ahimsa in a single dimension; its multifarious diversions add to it even more important than just a concept or a set of principles. The two major concerns in which Ahimsa was supposed to impact Indian life were: as a Political ideology and a spiritually animated way of life. The two kept overlapping and resuming distance from each other from time to time. While as a political ideology, it invariably emerged victorious whereas when it was the question of adopting Ahimsa intrinsically it was abandoned ruthlessly. Ahimsa was used as and made the most powerful tool in achieving political aims whereas the moment these aims seem to be achieved it remained no longer effective. Gandhian expectations from the newly Independent India were too high which had Ahimsa as the major working force but the results were completely atrocious and barbaric. My paper would bring conjectures on the possible explanations for the failure of Ahimsa as a way of life. Conclusion: The paper will contend that the philosophy of Ahimsa worked hazardously on the psyche of Indian individuals. This will be put substantially in counter-narrative as to how the philosophy had adverse effects owing to its incompatibility to the political, social, and existential contexts of pre-partitioned India.