A new book shows how the Partition changed India’s psychology and redefined intergenerational trauma

Ramaji’s house in Quetta stood on a lane that opened into a shared courtyard. The night before she and her family were to leave, the mob had reached the entrance of the courtyard. Her father had heard them approaching. While the mob was breaking down the entrance, her father took the entire family to hide in the farthest house on the street. They switched off the lights and lay face down on the terrace. Ramaji had curled up even more narrating this part of the story. Anjali, who had also learnt of this incident only the previous night, was captivated.

Thankfully, the mob that night had assumed that the houses on the lane were empty and left for the next street. It was clear to all, including Rama’s father, that staying back was not an option. They did not discuss it further. As soon as they reached home, the elders hurriedly started collecting all the cash. They gathered around Rs 22,000 (a significant amount in those days) and some precious jewellery. Rama’s mother made belts out of cotton cloth to conceal their valuables, which were worn by her elder brother and some other members of the family. They had no time...

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