The Fractured Psyche: A Study of Malgonkar's- A Bend in the Ganges

Abstract

The trauma of partition of India has yet to be lived down even after forty-six years as evidenced by the recent happenings in India which need not be spelt out. Manohar Malgonkar's novel, A Bend in the Ganges, traces the changes that come over three young men — GianTalwar, Debi Dayal and Shafi Usman — as a result of their involvement in the events of the years preceding and following the partition of India. While Debi and Shafi die in the outbreak of violence following India's attainment of Independence, Gian emerges as a changed person. The three young men are the members of a terrorist outfit called the "Freedom Tigers" who on the impact of the partition change in such a way that their idealism gives way to hatred and enmity.