A Revolution is a Struggle between the Future and Past: Mapping Kashmir Through Multiple Narratives

Abstract

Kashmir existing in a state of turmoil since 1947, portraying religious conflict cocooned in whirlpool of bloodshed, gives this study, a chance to investigate its core issue; Kashmir conflict. Kashmir has always been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan while the Kashmiris (referring to Muslims in Kashmir) have simultaneously been relegated to the margins in their own home. Since time immemorial Kashmir has been on thin-ice; an abode of conflict where India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris lay their claims on the land without anyone appearing as the victor. Over the years, this conflict has culminated into unrest among the Kashmiris, leading to the desire for revolution. This paper underpins the various aspects and consequences of this state of conflict and desire for revolution in Kashmir through multiple genres and therefore, multiple narratives. Building on Karl Marx’s conflict theory, gingerly chiselling the theoretical framework, the paper intends to analyse the chosen short story, novel, film and folklore.