The 12 Books of Christmas | Mishal Husain on Family, Empire and Why Partition Still Matters
Intelligence Squared
Deep Dive
Why did Mishal Husain decide to write 'Broken Threads'?
Husain was inspired by her family's experiences during the partition of India and Pakistan, particularly her grandparents' lives against the backdrop of major historical events. She wanted to document their stories while they were still within living memory.
What is the significance of the title 'Broken Threads'?
The title 'Broken Threads' is a metaphor for the ruptured connections and lost relationships caused by partition. It also refers to a specific wedding gift Husain received, a shawl made from the border of a sari given to her great-aunt at her grandparents' wedding in 1940, symbolizing the unbroken thread of family heritage.
How did Mishal Husain's grandparents experience partition?
Husain's grandparents, Shahid and Tyra, lived through the chaos of partition. Shahid worked for the last British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, while Tyra had a dangerous journey from Simla to Delhi, where she was eventually evacuated to Pakistan. Both families had close shaves with violence during their migrations.
What role did Field Marshal Auchinleck play in Mishal Husain's family history?
Field Marshal Auchinleck was the last British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and a key figure in Husain's family history. Her grandfather, Shahid, worked as his private secretary, giving him a ringside seat to historical events. Auchinleck also became a father figure to the family after his marriage fell apart.
How did Mishal Husain's grandparents view Jinnah and the idea of Pakistan?
Husain's grandparents saw Jinnah as a secular-minded leader who envisioned Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims but not necessarily an Islamic state. They believed in the idea of Pakistan as a separate homeland, though they experienced significant loss and upheaval during the partition.
What challenges did Mishal Husain's grandparents face after partition?
After partition, Husain's grandparents faced challenges such as the loss of their homes and the difficulty of maintaining cross-border relationships. They also had to navigate the emerging narrative in Pakistan that prioritized 'sons of the soil' over those who had migrated from India, which affected their sense of belonging.
What does Mishal Husain hope her book 'Broken Threads' will achieve?
Husain hopes 'Broken Threads' will serve as a record of the connections and shared history between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of understanding and companionship. She also wants her children to understand their roots in South Asia and the broader impact of British colonialism.
How did Mishal Husain's grandparents' experiences reflect broader social mobility in South Asia?
Husain's grandparents' stories reflect social mobility through education and hard work. Her ancestors, including her grandmother Tyra's grandfather, who was a tailor, improved their circumstances over generations, a trend that continued with her grandparents' generation, who pursued higher education and professional careers.
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