Raakh Novel by Mustansar Hussain Tarar Pdf Free Download
Raakh Novel by Mustansar Hussain Tarar. “Raakh” is an epic historical fiction novel that traverses through the ashes of multiple periods, exploring profound themes of humanity, identity, and conflict. The story is intricately woven around the protagonist, Mushahid, also known as Michel in the Western world. The grand narrative unfolds in distinct segments, each focusing on different aspects of Mushahid’s life, exploring their unique historical contexts yet subtly interconnected by the common thread of Mushahid’s experiences and perspectives.
The early years of Mushahid spent in the Laxmi Mansion Building, a historical site in Lahore, beautifully capture the essence of a city rich in culture and history. It is a masterful tribute to Lahore’s past splendor and painful transformation during tumultuous times, particularly the 1947 partition. Tarar, drawing from his own childhood experiences in Lahore, weaves an enchanting narrative of innocence, nostalgia, and the vibrant characters that once graced the city.
The novel proceeds to lay bare the horrifying realities of the 1971 debacle through the experiences of Mushahid’s half-Bengali niece and his disabled ex-soldier brother, Shaban. The narrative reveals the heinous practices of dehumanization and brutality born out of the political and linguistic division, creating an incisive critique of monolithic nationalistic narratives.
Tarar’s novel blossoms with his vivid descriptions of Gandhara’s hilly landscape, where Mushahid and his friends embark on adventurous expeditions. One of the most unforgettable characters in this part of the narrative is Kalia, an art connoisseur, and smuggler. Through Kalia’s intriguing adventures, Tarar brings his love for Gandhara civilization and knowledge of the region to life, providing sharp insights into the networks of power and corruption.
The narrative further delves into Mushahid’s experiences in Nottingham, dissecting themes of identity, nationalism, and cultural differences. The author touches upon the societal fabric of Lahore and its courtesan culture, eloquently exploring issues of color, caste, and discrimination. This exploration extends to the experiences of Mushahid’s Swedish wife, Bergetta, and her Christian family in a small Punjabi town, thus creating a rich tapestry of diverse narratives.
A significant symbol in “Raakh” is the River Ravi. Much like Lahore, the river stands desecrated and forsaken, serving as a stark metaphor for the painful changes brought by time and human disregard for the environment. Tarar ingeniously portrays this environmental degradation, allowing the narrative to transcend into a surreal realm where birds and their flights become potent metaphors.
Tarar paints Mushahid’s life in bold strokes, manifesting the complex nature of human relationships, the contradictions of our personalities, and the guilt and hope that resides in our hearts. A repeated refrain from Mushahid reverberates throughout the novel, shedding light on his inner world, haunted by memories and experiences.
Despite its compelling narrative, the novel underscores the need for rigorous editing in the Pakistani publishing industry. The manuscript could have been pruned of occasional melodramatic flourishes, repetitive episodes, and contrived elements. This critique, however, is directed at the publisher rather than the author, emphasizing the necessity of skilled editors who can augment the literary value of a text.
“Raakh” emerges as a modern Urdu literary masterpiece, enriched with insightful narratives and character studies. Tarar’s talent for evoking emotion and his vivid depiction of historical events make “Raakh” an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of humanity’s various facets. It is a novel that carries the weight of history while maintaining a deep resonance with contemporary times and is a significant contribution to the Urdu literary landscape.
Urdu historical novel “Raakh” is now available in Pakistan virtual library in a high-quality Pdf document for the study of our users. Check out the following links to read online or download the complete novel in Pdf format and enjoy offline reading on your computer and smartphone.