"Midnight's Children" Post 3a

One extremely interesting cultural aspect of India showcased in this novel is the conflict between the Muslims and Hindus. The Sinai family is Muslim and consequently experiences a significant amount of racism, especially from the group Ravana, named after a many-headed demon in Hindu mythology, who burn down his store house of clothing supplies, ruining his business. Hinduism originated in India, but Islam became prominent in the northern areas as the Islamic caliphates extended their rule. The Muslim Mughal Empire even ruled India for a period of time, and even the Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Shah Jehan for his wife. Although Muslims comprise a major part of India's population, Hindus are still in the majority and there is much conflict from this division. Another issue discussed in this novel was an effect of this strife: the creation of Pakistan. Pakistan was envisioned as a state for Indian Muslims who did not wish to continue to experience discrimination there, and was supported by Muhammed Ali Jinnah, head of the Muslim League. Although both Nehru and Gandhi opposed it, it was created around the birth of the independent India. It is interesting to watch the path of the Sinai family; after their traumatic experience one would expect them to move further towards the west, back towards their homeland of Kashmiri, and least of all eastwards towards the heart of India, but they do just that.