The Impact of Indian Independence Movement on the select Novels of Raja Rao

Abstract

Indian Writing in English is influenced by Gandhian ideology. Gandhi emphasized more on social, political, and religious problems of the oppressed and down trodden lower castes in Hindu society. His aim was to abolish poverty, caste system and untouchability from society. The present study reveals prominently the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on the village of Kanthapura. ‘Kanthapura’ is the microcosm of the Indian traditional society and what happened in Kanthapura was also happened in India during 1919-1930. It is not only a political novel, but also a novel which concerns with socio-religious and economic transformation during the struggle for independence. ‘Kanthapura’ follows Gandhi’s doctrine and ideology of non-violence, Satyagraha, their views on untouchability and casteism etc. The novel can be considered Gandhi-epic. Gandhi aroused national awakening in Indians with his non-violent struggle for freedom movement which was strengthened by noncooperation and civil disobedience movement in Kanthapura village. Gandhi’s influential personality and his ideology is felt everywhere in the novel. Indeed, Gandhi doesn’t appear in this novel personally, but the plot of the novel revolves around his ideology. This research article, ‘Gandhi’s Ideology: A Study of Raja Rao’s Kanthapura’ aims at how the Gandhi’s ideology influenced Raja Rao which resulted in the creation of the character of Moorthy. It also focuses on how Moorthy, under the influence of Gandhi, tries to inspire the people towards the freedom struggle.