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Few events in South Asian history have left as deep and enduring a scar as the Partition of the Punjab in 1947. The division tore through families, uprooted entire communities and redrew not just political borders but also the emotional maps for millions. For many caught in the storm survival meant fleeing on foot with little more than the clothes they wore, leaving behind homes, land and lifetimes of memories.
1947 Mein Ludhiana Kay Musalmanon Par Kya Guzri is a chronicle of that upheaval, told through the voices of those who lived it. It offers an unflinching glimpse into what happened to the Muslim families of Ludhiana during and after Partition. Written by Muhammad Aslam, a descendant of one such family, the book is a personal and collective act of remembrance. Aslam’s journey to preserve these fading memories took him across Pakistan, from city to city, gathering stories from the elderly: stories of grief, resilience and the longing for a home that no longer exists.
The book is primarily based on interviews with elderly individuals who were forced to migrate to Pakistan during the cataclysmic days of 1947, events that permanently altered the course of their lives. The author, Muhammad Aslam, personally conducted and transcribed these interviews.
He spoke to more than a hundred families with roots in Ludhiana, documenting the memories of a whole generation. The interviewees included both ordinary individuals and notable people. All of them shared recollections of Ludhiana’s culture, its prominent personalities, demographic makeup and how the Partition had affected its residents.
Among the better-known figures referenced are Sahir Ludhianvi, the iconic rebel poet; Hameed Akhtar, the left-wing activist and journalist; Hafiz Ludhianvi, the noted naat writer; and Meem Hasan Latifi, a respected poet and writer. Saadat Hasan Manto’s family hailed from Amritsar, but he, too, was born in a village near Ludhiana and is mentioned in the book.
Mian Abdul Haye, the education minister in the pre-Partition Unionist government of the Punjab, also hailed from Ludhiana. The author sat with his family as well.
A majority of the interviewees, however, are ordinary people who witnessed the horrors of 1947 first-hand. Their testimonies recount the bloodshed that engulfed the Punjab. Story after story contains harrowing details of family members being slaughtered and of survivors emerging as lone remnants of entire households. Another recurring tragedy was the separation from families, with loved ones lost across newly drawn borders.
A particularly poignant account involves a Persian-speaking family descended from Ahmad Shah Abdali, who had been living in exile in Ludhiana. The author tracked down the descendants of Shah Shuja, some of whom had settled in the Sargodha district after migrating to Pakistan in 1947. Their interview offers a compelling glimpse into a forgotten legacy.
The book also includes fascinating details about the family of Sahir Ludhianvi. Many of his relatives later lived in Faisalabad. Sahir’s father had hoped to see his son again, but that reunion never happened. Although Sahir was the legal heir to his father’s property, he refused to claim the inheritance. Instead, he wrote a letter to his sister in Faisalabad, granting her rights to the estate.
The author is now compiling a comprehensive follow-up volume focused on the villages around Ludhiana. Expected to hit the shelves later this year, the forthcoming book reflects his unwavering passion for everything related to Ludhiana, a commitment that is, to say the least, remarkable.
Though not a trained historian, Muhammad Aslam has made a commendable effort to unearth and preserve historical facts through oral testimonies and meticulous research. His dedication is undeniable. However, certain improvements are essential to enhance the readability and scholarly value of his work. The current volume would benefit greatly from tighter editing, as repetition occasionally distracts from the powerful narratives being shared. A more refined editorial approach could elevate the book’s overall impact and accessibility.
In addition, the author should be cautious about veering into overly emotional or accusatory analysis. Both Sikhs and Muslims committed terrible atrocities in a climate of fear and motivated by revenge. Singling a community for blame does little to serve the historical record or foster understanding.
Despite these flaws, 1947 Mein Ludhiana Kay Musalmano Per Kya Guzri is a notable achievement. It is a poignant, grassroots attempt to document the memories of those who were violently uprooted and forced onto unknown paths. Many of them never reached their destination. The book is a valuable contribution to preserving a painful, yet essential chapter of the sub-continent’s history.
The writer is afreelance journalist based in Lahore