novel
A novel is a relatively long work of narrative fiction, typically written in prose and published as a book. The present English word for a long work of prose fiction derives from the for "new", "news", or "short story of something new", itsel ...
Muslims
Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abraha ...
of the
Indian sub-continent
The Indian subcontinent is a physiographical region in Southern Asia. It is situated on the Indian Plate, projecting southwards into the Indian Ocean from the Himalayas. Geopolitically, it includes the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India ...
during the time of
partition
Partition may refer to:
Computing Hardware
* Disk partitioning, the division of a hard disk drive
* Memory partition, a subdivision of a computer's memory, usually for use by a single job
Software
* Partition (database), the division of a ...
in 1947.
Historical background
When Muslims of different regions were trying to get to Pakistan, many groups of Hindus would to attack them during their journeys to snatch their money and the jewellery of the women. The Hindus robbed everybody they found in the way. ''Khak aur Khoon'' not only describes how many sacrifices the Muslims made to get their new homeland, but it also describes the true face of fanaticism at the time. On June 3, 1947, Lord Mountbatton announced that district of
Gurdaspur
Gurdaspur is a city in the India, Indian state of Punjab, India, Punjab, between the rivers Beas River, Beas and Ravi River, Ravi. It houses the administrative headquarters of Gurdaspur District and is in the geographical centre of the distr ...
was going to be aligned with Pakistan. Muslims, after listening to this, guarded the homes and properties of their Non-Muslim neighbours from the riots, but later Radcliff gifted this district to India to enable a passage to
Kashmir
Kashmir () is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. Today, the term encompas ...
for India. It was done at the wishes of leaders of Congress and the hindu raja of Kashmir,
Hari Singh
Maharaja Sir Hari Singh (September 1895 – 26 April 1961) was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir (princely state), Jammu and Kashmir.
Hari Singh was the son of Amar Singh and Bhotiali Chib. In 1923, followi ...
, who all wanted Kashmir to be mixed with India even against the wishes of local population.
Plot
The novel revolves around the life of the protagonist Saleem, who is the son of a Tahsildar and belongs to a very influential yet virtuous joint-family. The First part of the novel is all about the childhood of the protagonist. It's all smiles and laughters, and there are a lot of fascinating yet hilarious events which make the reader addicted to the story-line.
Saleem, being the benchmark of excellence in both academics and sports is brought with a great set of values. After receiving primary education in his village. In order to continue his further studies, he goes to a college where he meets with young enthusiastic individuals of All India Muslim League who have been working for the cause of an Independent State. This cause becomes his aspiration and he goes to the last extent for it.
Then, after the establishment of Pakistan, it's all about the atrocities faced by the Muslim migrants. During the days of migration, a ferocious armed combat between the Muslims of Saleem's village, and Sikh militants, Saleem's whole family is martyred despite fighting selflessly. Saleem survives and selflessly goes on with the cause and to help the migrants with this painful journey.
Saleem marries Asmat, the girl Saleem has always been in love with and the sister of his high-school friend Amjad. The novel ends on a very emotional note with Majeed leading a battalion to the Kashmir front and Saleem being extremely grateful and content with his contribution in the establishment of Pakistan.
Film adaptation
In 1979, ''Khaak Aur Khoon'' was adapted into a film by the same name directed by
Masood Parvez
Masood Parvez (1918 10 March 2001), also spelled as Masud Pervaiz, was a Pakistani film director known for his work in Lollywood. He also worked in Cinema of India, Indian films before Partition of India, partition of India and after Muhajir ( ...