<P> The book is set at various times around the partition in Old Delhi . The tension between Muslims and Hindus are clearly shown by the father's refusal to allow Raja to go to a Muslim university and study Urdu literature because he has cause to fear for his safety . The book also mentions the partition riots as well as the refugee camps . It also depicts the flight of the Alis, the Das's Muslim landlords and neighbors . </P> <P> These tensions often escalated into riots, but not in Old Delhi . The Hindus' claim to India led to the neglect, abuse and often violence towards Muslims in India or Hindus in Pakistan . The nation of India was torn apart in a violent manner, leaving refugees on both side of the border and mutual anger and hostility . The suspicious nature of the partition is also evidenced in the plainclothes police who felt Raja could be a Pakistani spy . </P> <P> In the book, Old Delhi is frequently referred to as old, stagnant, or decaying. Old Delhi is overcrowded and generally overlooked in favor of New Delhi . New Delhi is considered vibrant, modern and alive . In the book New Delhi is where the characters, specifically Bakul, go to avoid the soporific effects of Old Delhi or even to be connected with the outside world . Bim is in New Delhi when she hears of Gandhi death, and Raja finds diversion and entertainment as a teenager in New Delhi . </P> <P> The religious undercurrents in the book manifest themselves in two ways: the partition (see above), and Raja's relationship with the Alis . As a young adult he found acceptance (albeit not inclusion) in Hyder Ali's nightly gatherings . His fascination with the Muslim culture, however, first manifests itself when he takes Urdu instead of Hindi, a language he considers banal, at school . Eventually he integrates himself into the Muslim culture and marries Hyder Ali's daughter, Benazir . However this relationship is strained during the partition and the Ali's subsequent flight to Hyderabad . </P>

Short summary of clear light of day by anita desai