Mandeep Sen
Migration and partition are pivotal moments in human history, marked by upheaval, displacement, and the reshuffling of identities. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, individuals often cling to tangible objects as vessels of memory, encapsulating their past, their identity, and their longing for what once was. In this article, we will try to contextualize and understand the relation between materiality and memory in the context of migration and partition, exploring how objects serve as potent conduits for preserving personal narratives and anchoring a sense of belonging amidst the currents of change. The partition of India in 1947 stands as one of the most defining moments in the history of the Indian subcontinent. This seismic event, marked by the division of British India into two independent nations – India and Pakistan – unleashed a wave of communal violence, displacement, and trauma that reverberates to this day. While historical accounts and personal narratives offer glimpses into the human experience of partition, another layer of understanding emerges through the material remnants of that tumultuous period.
I have been to many places but have never thought about materials or a thing working as a memory to be recalled. Recently, when I visited the Red Fort with some of my cousins, an idea clicked my mind. Why there is a need of museums, why we visit them, and how they work for our understanding or our psychology? All these questions with two keywords to think about: one is material and the other one is memory. These two things are linked, overlapped and even mixed with each other. Material possessions carry profound significance beyond their physical attributes. They are imbued with personal histories, cultural contexts, and emotional resonances that transcend time and space. These materials help us to recall our history, our people and their memories. For migrants and partition survivors, these objects become repositories of memory, offering a tangible link to their past lives and the places they once called home. Whether it’s a photograph, a piece of clothing, or a cherished heirloom, each item holds a story waiting to be unraveled, a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Few days back, a video got viral on internet in which Prof. Amin Chohan from Lahore, Pakistan, got emotional when he received a gift from his childhood friend. He received the door of his lost home from his friend Palwinder Singh, who resides in India. It was not just a door, it is an emotion filled with memories, and from that video anyone can notice those memories flowing from everyone’s eyes. An object with a tale of thousands of memories. A worn-out suitcase becomes a symbol of journeys undertaken and dreams pursued, its dented corners and frayed edges bearing witness to the trials and triumphs of migration. A faded photograph captures fleeting moments of happiness, serving as a poignant reminder of loved ones left behind and the bonds that endure across time and distance. These objects, seemingly ordinary in their appearance, become repositories of untold stories, weaving together the tapestry of individual and collective memory. One notable repository of material memories related to the partition is the Jallianwala Bagh Museum in Amritsar, Punjab. The museum, located at the site of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, houses a collection of artifacts that bear witness to the events surrounding the partition and its aftermath. Among these artifacts are objects that provide insights into the human cost of partition and the resilience of those affected. One such artifact is a rusted iron gate, pockmarked with bullet holes, salvaged from the grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. This gate, once an ordinary fixture, now serves as a haunting symbol of the brutality unleashed upon unarmed civilians gathered for a peaceful protest. Its twisted metal and bullet-ridden surface evoke the horror of that fateful day and stand as a testament to the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom.
Similarly, personal belongings preserved within the museum offer glimpses into the lives disrupted by partition. A frayed suitcase, its leather worn and weathered, speaks volumes about the hurried departures and forced migrations that defined the partition experience. Each scratch and scuff on its surface carry the weight of a family’s journey into an uncertain future, leaving behind familiar landscapes and cherished memories. It is just examples to show that how material transcends a memory from one age to another, but only if the people are linked to their history.
The relationship between materiality and memory takes center stage in the narratives of migration and partition, revealing profound insights into the human experience amidst upheaval and change. As we reflect on the poignant tales woven through objects preserved in museums and cherished in personal collections, we are reminded of the enduring power of material possessions to encapsulate the essence of lived experiences. From the rusted iron gate of Jallianwala Bagh to the frayed suitcase of a displaced family, each artifact serves as a tangible link to the past, bearing witness to the trials and triumphs of those who came before us.
The emotional resonance of material memory is perhaps best exemplified in the viral video of Prof. Amin Chohan receiving the door of his childhood home from a friend across the border. In that simple yet profound exchange, we witness the transmutation of an ordinary object into a vessel of nostalgia, carrying within it a multitude of shared memories and emotions. It is a testament to the enduring bonds forged through shared history and the universal human longing for connection and belonging. As we navigate the complexities of our shared history, let us continue to honor and preserve the material remnants of our past, recognizing their power to bridge temporal divides and foster empathy and understanding across generations. In embracing the stories held within these objects, we reaffirm our commitment to bearing witness to the triumphs and tragedies of the human experience, ensuring that the memories they embody remain alive and vibrant for generations to come.
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Mandeep Sen is an Assistant Professor, NCWEB, Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi
