The Exodus of Suffering: Sindhis and the Mass Migration of 1947 to India
Surviving the Exodus: Sindhis’ Resilience in the Wake India’s Partition and Independence
The year 1947 marked a watershed moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent as it gained independence from British colonial rule. It was also the year when the subcontinent was divided into two nations, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines. The partition of India led to one of the largest mass migrations in history, with millions of people uprooted from their homes, seeking refuge in their chosen homeland. Sindhi community was one of the many communities impacted due to the partition.
During this tumultuous time, not only the Sindhis but also Punjabis, Bengalis, Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs, and numerous other communities experienced profound suffering and upheaval.
This is the story of my grandmother, a Sindhi woman, who bore witness to the pain and displacement caused by the partition.
Her name was Devi and she embarked on a journey of adaptation. She endeavored to preserve Sindhi culture and traditions while embracing the new opportunities that India offered. The story narrated to me by her when I was just 13 years old, mirrored the resilience of countless Sindhi families who, despite immense suffering and loss, found the strength to start anew.
Pre-Partition Harmony
Before the partition, the province of Sindh was home to a vibrant and diverse community of people from various religious backgrounds, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. These communities had lived together in relative harmony for centuries, sharing a rich cultural heritage. My grandmother, like many others, had friends and neighbors from different religious backgrounds and cherished the cultural diversity of Sindh.
The Chaos of Partition
The partition of India and Pakistan was accompanied by widespread violence, mass migration, and communal riots. As the borders were redrawn along religious lines, people faced the heart-wrenching choice of leaving their homes or staying in a place where they felt increasingly unwelcome.
My grandmother’s family decided to leave Sindh and migrate to India, like many other Sindhi families. They left behind their home, their possessions, and their cherished memories. What awaited them on the other side of the border was a journey filled with uncertainty and hardship.
The prevailing practice at that time was to bundle one’s belongings in cloth and secure it as a waist belt beneath their clothing. This was how she transported her jewelry to India while being compelled to leave behind all the immovable assets in Sindh.
The Journey
The journey from Sindh to India was perilous, with overcrowded trains and a lack of basic amenities. Families were torn apart, and many never made it to their intended destinations. My grandmother’s family endured hunger, thirst, and exhaustion during this arduous journey.
Accompanied by five children, she depended on my grandfather’s brother and his family to be her companions. Among them, my father, at only five months old, was the youngest.
The rule was straightforward: during the day, advance toward a location closer to a train station, which offered a lifeline to India, and by nightfall, maintain strict vigilance by keeping the doors securely shut. Amidst the tumult, unspeakable atrocities unfolded with women enduring sexual violence and children falling victim to senseless brutality.
Suffering and Loss
Upon reaching India, my grandmother’s family faced the daunting task of starting afresh. They had lost their ancestral home and their sense of belonging. The Sindhi community, known for its rich traditions and business acumen, found itself scattered and disoriented. Many Sindhis had to rebuild their lives from scratch, facing economic challenges and discrimination.
Resilience and Adaptation
Despite the immense suffering and loss, the Sindhi community displayed remarkable resilience. They rebuilt their lives, often starting small businesses and contributing to the economic growth of their adopted homeland. My grandmother, too, embarked on a journey of adaptation, preserving the Sindhi culture and traditions while embracing the new opportunities that India offered.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, my grandmother’s story stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sindhi people and the countless others who endured the pain of partition. The mass migration of 1947 left an indelible mark on the subcontinent’s history, reminding us of the importance of unity and tolerance in a diverse society.
Conclusion
The mass migration of people during the partition of India and Pakistan was a tragic chapter in history, and the Sindhi community’s suffering serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political decisions. My grandmother’s story is just one among millions, but it reflects the resilience, courage, and adaptability of those who survived this tumultuous period. It is a story that should be remembered and shared to ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten, and that the importance of unity and harmony in diverse societies is upheld.
