31 pages • 1 hour read •
Tamas
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Book Brief
360
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
1972
Rajkamal Prakashan
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Tamas by Bhisham Sahni portrays the devastating impact of the 1947 Partition of India. As tensions rise between Hindus and Muslims following the discovery of a pig on a Mosque's steps and the subsequent killing of a cow in retaliation, the city quickly descends into violent riots. The novel explores the experiences of various characters amid this chaos, highlighting the far-reaching, tragic consequences of Partition. Themes of rape, murder, mass suicide, and bureaucratic indifference are present in the narrative.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bhisham Sahni's Tamas is lauded for its poignant portrayal of the Partition's brutal realities through vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters. Critics praise its emotional depth and historical accuracy. However, some readers find its intense themes distressing and narrative pacing uneven. Overall, it is a powerful, significant work in Partition literature.
Who Should Read Tamas?
Tamas by Bhisham Sahni would captivate readers interested in historical fiction and social issues, especially those who appreciate books like Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan. With its deep exploration of the Partition of India, fans of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children will find its intense narrative compelling.
Richard
Richard
The Deputy Commissioner who represents British authority, focused on his duties with little genuine care for the Indian populace.
Liza
Liza
Richard's wife, who is disenchanted with life in India and has complex feelings towards both her husband and the local community.
Harnam Singh
Harnam Singh
A Sikh man who, along with his wife, experiences profound challenges during the riots yet embodies resilience and humility.
Ranvir
Ranvir
A young man drawn to conflict, whose perspective on violence and religion reflects his restless search for purpose.
Tamas, published in 1974, earned Bhisham Sahni the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian literature.
The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series in 1988, directed by Govind Nihalani, which faced some controversy and was temporarily banned due to its sensitive subject matter.
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Tamas is noted for its exploration of the horrors of communal violence, drawing from Sahni's personal experiences during the Partition of India in 1947.
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360
Novel • Fiction
India • 1940s
1972
Rajkamal Prakashan
Adult
18+ years
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