Introduction to the Short Story
The story “Roots” takes place during the time of Indian Partition. It navigates on the issues of nationalism, sense of belonging and a communal sentimentality. The tale follows the compelling stories of a Hindu and a Muslim family. It delves deeper into the intimate relationships spanning up to third generations. Having different political opinions, the two families supports each other throughout the independent country.
Summary
The story begins with a stressful temperament because of the Muslim refugees and the fear associated with religious fundamentalism. The children are troublesome in the house causing the adults to be miserable in their lives. The colonisers have departed from India but their imperialist attitudes have damaged the country horribly. The Muslim minorities are living under a siege of military operations where their houses being padlocked patrolled by police officers outside. It is a tough situation for the Muslims entering outside from Marwar state. They faces heavy discrimination and they are effortlessly identified by others.
Some Muslims are enticed to go back to Pakistan because of the rumours about inexpensive food but they realises the herculean task of making a capital for one’s survival. There are also intentions of the people to kick out many of the Minority communities but some ménages refuse to do so specifically those in employment by the Maharaja. Barre Bhai refuses to enticed his family to leave and displace to Pakistan causing a family conflict amongst the children and Roopchandji’s children. The police officers makes an intervention by sending the Muslim kids home and their mothers shows compassion to them. The partition has disturbed and affected the everlasting friendships and relationships between families.
The story then narrates the political dynamics having a debate coming from different ménages. The supporters of Congress always have the power in disputation while the other political parties such as the communist and the socialists sides with the Congress. The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha are two opponents would unite to begin an assault on Congress as the support for the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha has escalated while the Congress has faced many inner challenges within. The families despite having political distinctions maintains an intimate connection. They have a discourse on topics such as spices and a dowry irrelevant to politics. Doctor Saheb who is also a family ménages gives medical ministrations to everyone but his wife apprises him to reject having a meal their homes to be paid a fee. Doctor Saheb light heartedly mocks Amma whenever she gets ill. The other family ménages would seldom line up to also check on their health whenever Doctor Saheb visits.
There is a sudden enthusiastic decorum regarding the birth of a child. Doctor Saheb complains about the population of children being born but when the labor hits he becomes restive to aid. The women hates men during their childbirth and Doctor Saheb as well as Abba leaves the room after the child is born as usual because of the wrath of the women. After Abba’s demise, Roopchandji starts to cater the family ministration. It is evident in his decision making process from school fees to the construction plans. He also interfere in family issues and matters such as helping to solve the choice of Fajan’s education and aiding Farida with her nuptial issues.
Sheela arrives as a midwife that brings a sense of relief. The family connections changed during the times of battle with Amma’s who remains silent speaking a weight of turmoil. The coming of the refugees widens the split between the family and the external world. In between the health issues and a state to leave, Amma hesitate to leave and her words as sharp reveals her inner state of distress.
Khala Bi packs her things such as material things like gold and silver, bone powder, dry fenugreek and Multani mitti. Barre Bhai tries to discard her bundles but she refuses to let of her things having a strong sense of belief that it is essential for the economy of Pakistan. The house is being destroyed and there are many packed bundles and boxes while Amma’s trunk is remained unhandled. Amma remains unconscious of the pain inflicted on her by kafirs. The family leaves their home to a new place to find security and keep themselves safe and sound.Amma inquires the idea of “our land” and she calls out to be tired in quest of a new place. However, Amma’s children and grandchildren leaves in a caravan under the security of the police officers making Amma to feel distress. She starts to recall her children’s birth and the all the memories linking to her home. Roopchandji becomes angry and he curses everything and all including the void home across the roadside. His wife privately brings food to Amma and they talk quietly through their visions.
Amma spends a restive night concerned about the security of her family during their odyssey and the obstacles they may endure in the new place. Amma has worrying ephialtes about the violence and the pain her family ménages may experience. She is alarmed by a noise at the door scared of her life but it is her family who has returned. She is happy to see her family back and she feels a sense of peace. Roopchandji tells that he brought back her children from the train station and he asks for his remuneration. Amma becomes teary with a sense of obligation and she sits up feeling optimistic and the bond with her family.
Joseph Addison Remarks on English by the Indian Kings Summary
