By: Suhani Gupta
The author is a second-year student at the Jindal Global Law School in O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat. She can be reached at suhxni.gupta@gmail.com.
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Introduction
The novel "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth (1993) is a beautifully crafted story set against the backdrop of India after gaining independence from British rule. It explores how the impact of colonialism shapes Indian society and culture. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the early 1950s, when India had recently gained independence and was undergoing significant transformations, including the resolution of Hindu-Muslim conflicts that resulted in the creation of Pakistan (Singh, 1956). Set in Brahmpur, the story revolves around the Mehras, Kapoors, Chatterjees, and Khans, four elite families. At its core is the journey of Lata, a spirited woman navigating societal norms and personal desires in her quest to find a suitable husband amid the backdrop of a changing nation. Post-colonial literature often explores cultural identity (Rushdie, 1981). "A Suitable Boy" delves deeply into the theme, depicting the characters’ struggle with their cultural identity under the influence of colonialism. It also sheds light on the deeply ingrained social hierarchies and caste system, exacerbated in the colonial era.
The novel further portrays post-independence India's political landscape, including elections and the formation of a new government, highlighting the challenges of nation-building. It vividly captures the nation's struggles as it emerges from centuries of colonial rule. Religious diversity plays a central role, reflecting India's religious pluralism and the interactions between Hindus, Muslims, and other religious communities. The novel excels in realism, with characters meticulously crafted to embody strengths, flaws, and idiosyncrasies, making them remarkably relatable and authentic. The narrative's authenticity extends to its vivid portrayal of settings, from the bustling streets of Calcutta to the tranquil countryside, providing readers with a sensory experience. The depiction of customs and traditions provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of post-independence Indians, while the dialogues authentically reflect everyday speech rhythms and subtleties. The use of regional dialects adds layers to the characters, enriching their personalities and cultural backgrounds. The novel underscores the human experience, enabling readers from diverse backgrounds to form a personal connection with the narrative.
Hybridity
A key idea from Bhabha (1994) as influenced by Edward Said (1978), revolves around the concept of hybridization. This concept helps us understand how new cultures develop when various cultural influences come together. Seth's novel beautifully exemplifies this theme, showing how the mingling of Indian and European systems leads to a state of imitation, a theme not unique to Seth's work but also found in other postcolonial literature like Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" (Rushdie, 1981) and Anita Desai's "Clear Light of Day" (Desai, 1980). The novel vividly portrays scenes that represent hybridity, highlighting the interplay between English education and Indian traditions. Many Indian families, particularly the elite, send their children to English schools, underscoring the importance of English education in their lives. Characters like Lata engage in conversations, seamlessly transitioning between English and local languages, reflecting the linguistic blending that characterizes their daily interactions. Social gatherings serve as microcosms of this cultural fusion, blending Indian traditions with British social norms. These events feature traditional Indian music coexisting with Western classical music and dance, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural forms. Additionally, characters often blend traditional Indian attire with Western styles, symbolizing the fusion of cultures in their clothing.
Religious practices and festivals further exemplify this blend of Indian spirituality and British customs. For instance, the celebration of Christmas in an Indian household might involve traditional Indian sweets alongside British Christmas pudding. Cities and towns in the story reflect the architectural influence of British colonial rule, with British-style buildings, railway stations, and urban layouts coexisting with traditional Indian architecture, creating unique cultural hybridity. The Chatterjee wedding exemplifies this cultural fusion, where Meenakshi Chatterjee, a Bengali woman, marries Arun Mehra, a Punjabi man, fusing Bengali and Punjabi traditions to create a new, blended identity. University campuses serve as spaces where cultural hybridity flourishes as students engage, learn from one another, and adapt to diverse cultural norms. Musical performances and dramas combine classical Indian music with modern influences, while Lata's father's love for the Austrian composer Schubert showcases the fusion of traditional ragas and instruments with contemporary elements. Most importantly, Lata's interactions with diverse suitors, including Kabir, Amit, and Haresh, eloquently illustrate the cultural diversity of India, with each suitor embodying a unique cultural perspective, underscoring the hybrid nature of her own identity. This seamless integration of different cultural elements in various aspects of life vividly illustrates the theme of hybridity that runs throughout the novel.
Nation Building and its Identity
Nation-building in the novel centres around the pursuit of cultural and social homogeneity. Marriages, a central theme, serve as microcosms of this homogenizing endeavour as families seek matches within their own communities, reinforcing existing social, religious, and cultural boundaries. The novel portrays the efforts of political leaders like Mahesh Kapoor, inspired by Nehruvian ideology (Nehru, 1946), striving to establish a just and inclusive society, symbolizing India's broader aspiration to construct a nation based on principles of equality, justice, and unity in diversity.
The legacy of India's partition in 1947, the displacement of people, and lingering communal tensions are palpable throughout the novel. The enduring impact of the British colonial imposition of English as the language of administration and education is thoughtfully explored, especially within a diverse and pluralistic society. While the novel delves into the inherent tensions between different religious communities, it also celebrates religious diversity. In exploring these themes, the novel offers a compelling and insightful examination of India's multifaceted national identity as it grapples with its past and aspires to build a more harmonious future in a complex and diverse society. The novel portrays political events, including the movement for equal rights for "untouchables," country-wide protests for academic freedom, and the abolishment of the Zamindari system. Within the narrative, Mann’s alignment with Marxist principles underscores the novel’s attitude towards an egalitarian society. Through these depictions, the novel reflects the broader socio-political movements and ideologies that influence India's journey towards a just and equitable society.
Gender Role
Lata Mehra emerges as a profound allegory, representing the evolving role of women in postcolonial society. Her personal journey encapsulates the challenges, aspirations, and transformations experienced by the nation and its women during a pivotal period in Indian history. As India navigates its newfound independence, Lata's life reflects the country's struggle to define its identity amidst lingering colonial influences and diverse cultural dynamics. Lata's reluctance to conform to societal norms, coupled with her determination to pursue education and independence, mirrors the aspirations of countless women during this era who sought to redefine their roles in a rapidly changing society. Her character challenges traditional gender roles that confined women to domestic spheres and dictated their lives through arranged marriages. Lata's pursuit of higher education and her desire for personal autonomy highlight the shift towards recognizing women's right to make their own choices and seek opportunities beyond the confines of home and family. Her interactions with her family and suitors further illustrate the evolving gender dynamics, as she navigates the expectations placed upon her by her mother and society at large. The contrast between her and other female characters, who adhere more strictly to traditional roles, underscores the broader societal tensions and the slow but significant progress towards gender equality.
Neo-Colonialism
Neo-colonialism, rooted in the continued economic, cultural, and political influence of former colonial powers over newly independent nations (Nkrumah, 1965), is a prominent theme in Seth's postcolonial literature. The novel illustrates how multinational corporations, often linked to former colonial powers, exploit the nation's resources and labour. Characters like Pran Kapoor, whose family's wealth is intertwined with British businesses, exemplify the enduring economic influence of colonial-era structures. The novel underscores the challenges faced by post-independence India in breaking free from the clutches of economic neo-colonialism. Educational and cultural hegemony is evident as institutions perpetuating British education systems are upheld, Western ideals and lifestyles are glorified, and indigenous knowledge systems are often marginalized. The novel delves into how former colonial powers, through diplomatic channels and secret operations, manipulate the political climate in newly independent nations. Characters like Mahesh Kapoor, a politician striving for progressive change, find themselves ensnared in the web of neo-colonial political influence, impacting decision-making processes.
Conclusion
"A Suitable Boy" encapsulates postcolonial India's transformation from colonial rule to a nation seeking its own identity. Through richly developed characters like Lata Mehra and Maan Kapoor, the novel reflects the country's struggles with tradition versus modernity, individuality versus societal expectations, and unity within diversity. Lata symbolizes India's evolving role, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for women's rights. Her journey mirrors the nation's aspirations for progress and self-reliance, embodying the broader shifts towards gender equality and empowerment. The novel also highlights the enduring influence of neo colonialism in post-independence India, portraying economic exploitation, cultural hegemony, and political manipulation by former colonial powers. Characters such as Pran Kapoor and Mahesh Kapoor exemplify the lingering impacts of colonial-era structures and the challenges of overcoming them. "A Suitable Boy" is a literary masterpiece that offers a nuanced portrayal of India's journey towards self-definition and societal change, capturing the nation's quest for identity and the complexities of its ongoing evolution.
References
Bhabha, H. K. (1994). The Location of Culture. Routledge.
Desai, A. (1980). Clear Light of Day. Harper and Row.
Nehru, J. (1946). The Discovery of India. Signet Press.
Nkrumah, K. (1965). Neo-Colonialism, the Last Stage of Imperialism. Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd.
Rushdie, S. (1981). Midnight’s Children. Jonathan Cape.
Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism.Pantheon Books.
Seth, V. (1993). A Suitable Boy. HarperCollins.
Singh, K. (1956). Train to Pakistan. Chatto & Windus.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author (s). They do not reflect the views or opinions of Diplomania or its members.
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