Making the 'Invisible' 'Visible': Literary Representation of Partition and the Reaction of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The partition of India and the birth of Pakistan is one of the most violent chapters of human history. The partition has affected millions of ordinary citizens of both countries directly or indirectly. Literature as well as history has reflected upon the trauma and loss caused due to partition. Unlike history, literature gives voice to those people, whom society excludes due to their gender, caste, class, and physical or mental disabilities. Persons with disabilities are one of the most neglected sections in all societies. Including the first-hand experience of persons with disabilities adds a new dimension to partition narratives. This paper attempts to discuss the literary representation of people with Autism spectrum disorder within the context of the partition of India and Pakistan and their reaction towards the society through a comparative analysis between Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day and Salman Rushdie’s Shame.