SILENCED BY THE STATE: A STUDY OF IDEOLOGY AND REPRESSION IN KHUSHWANT SINGH’S TRAIN TO PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper explores the portrayal of power and control of the state and higher authorities in Khushwant Singh’s novel Train to Pakistan, using Althusser’s theory as theoretical framework. By using a textual analysis method, the researcher analyzes how the dwellers of Mano Majra are manipulated both physically and psychologically by the police and magistrate. This study examines the crucial scenes where physical punishment, vulgar threats, exploitation and ideological manipulation of public are used to break the bond between communities and force Muslim community to leave Mano Majra. It also focuses on the way Singh’s novel Train to Pakistan acts as a critique of how the state suppresses ordinary people through both direct force (RSA) and changing people’s mindsets, beliefs and spreading false information (ISA). The findings of the paper suggest that the failure of the police tactics to manipulate people softly turn them towards vulgar threats and physical punishment.