The Doll

The doll that Lenny rips down the middle symbolizes the partition of the Subcontinent, which is being divided into two parts: India and Pakistan. Both Partition and ripping the doll are violent processes.

Hari's Dhoti

Hari’s dhoti is a symbol of his Hindu faith, and more generally, of how faith can make one a target. Although the other staff members know and like Hari, their obvious repulsion towards his dhoti represents their lack of understanding and their intolerance towards other faiths.

Lenny's Limp

Lenny’s limp is a symbol that something in the Indian colony has gone wrong. Colonel Bharucha blames the British for Lenny contracting polio, suggesting that the British have altered the course of history on the subcontinent, just like polio has permanently disfigured Lenny’s leg.

Ice-candy Man’s Toes

Ice-candy Man’s toes represent his willingness to violate Ayah’s...