Mahabharata and Ramayana are the two great epics of India. There is classical literature in several regional languages. The English language is known to Indians only for the last 300 years. But the literature in India in English has reached new heights and there are also thousands of lovers of English literature in India. Especially some writings have reached the classical level and have received worldwide attention.

This literature can be broadly classified into two. The first is literature written by Indians on Indian background and the second is by English writers on events in India. 'Freedom at Midnight' belongs to the second category and is one of the most appreciated event books in India.

This book covers the events that led to the partition of India, the achievement of India's freedom, the senseless violence between Hindus and Muslims, the great problem of Kashmir, the annexation of the princely states, and finally the murder. by Mahatma Gandhi.

In this article, we will see important aspects of the book with special reference to the assassination of Gandhi.

The construction of history

The content of this book dealing with contemporary history can be called a "story" because the events recorded in it were more moving than a story. It begins with Lord Mountbatten's meeting with British Prime Minister Attlee. The entire first chapter deals with the appointment of Lord Mountbatten as the last viceroy of India with the assignment of freeing India. The main question that was addressed was how to give freedom to India and, more importantly, the safe passage of the British to India, who were used to a luxurious life.

Enter Mahatma Gandhi

The Mahatma enters the narrative through a description of a famous Noakhali tour in which he made a failed attempt to stop the Hindu-Muslim violence. He was humiliated by mediocre leaders of both religions. The authors made an in-depth study of the newspapers of that time and give a genuine account of the events.

The process of giving freedom begins with Lord Mountbatten assuming the position of viceroy. He had several rounds of conversations with Patel, Jinnah, Nehru, and Gandhi, who held the importance of India's freedom in increasing order. Gandhi and Jinnah have a special place in this final solution, Gandhi as the father of the nation in India and Jinnah as the creator of Pakistan.

The misery of partition

The authors describe the royal partition as "The most complex divorce ever." Not only was the land divided, but also properties were divided as in the case of the family partition.

The cost of the partition was paid by citizens of the border states, Punjab in the north, West Bengal in the east, while there was also a lot of bloodshed in other states.

This was reflected in the editorial comments to the Hindustan standard stating:

"Gandhi has been assassinated by his people by whose redemption he lived, the second crucifixion in the history of the world has been enacted on a Friday, the same day that Jesus died nineteen hundred and fifteen years ago. Father, forgive us