THE DIALECTICS OF STATE NATIONALISM AND ETHNO-REGIONAL NATIONALISM IN FATIMA BHUTTO’S THE SHADOW OF THE CRESCENT MOON

Abstract

The present study explores the dialectics between Pakistani state nationalism and ethno-regional nationalism of Mir Ali in Fatima Bhutto's The Shadow of the Crescent Moon. The study utilizes the theoretical model of nationalism developed by Anderson through his Imagined Communities.  Furthermore, Althuser’s concepts of Repressive State Apparatus and Ideological State Apparatus are used to explain the imposition of official nationalism by the state on the people of Mir Ali.  Anderson’s model is further supported by the concepts of Anthony D Smith on nationalism. The study analyses the conflict between these contrastive narratives of nationalism, Ethno-regional nationalism – anchored on connection with ancestral land, collective history and memories - confronts the state's centralized authority and imagination. This conflict sprawls through generations. Pakistani state imposes its official nationalism through the repressive state machinery of Pakistani Army and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the Pakistani state follows the policy of integration through scholarships, visa lotteries and special recruitment strategies in Pakistan Army and civil beaurocracy.  The study is qualitative and interpretative in its nature. Close reading is used as a tool for the textual analysis of the novel. The study suggests that official nationalism triumphs over ethno-regional narratives through the provision of scholarships and jobs to the younger generation of Mir Ali.  The strategy of using soft powers by the state diffuses the resistance narrative of Mir Ali in Bhutto’s novel