Orientalist Representation in Samrat Upadhyay's Buddha's Orphans
Date
2013-09
Authors
K.C., Suman Baba
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Abstract
This research is about how Upadhyay‟s Buddha’s Orphans represents Nepal
and Nepalese culture in a biased way for economic gain. The author makes use of
several oriental stereotypes while representing Nepal and the religious belief of
Nepalese people. Almost all the characters of this novel ranging from Bokey Ba,
Kaki, Raja, Jamuna and Ganga Da are portrayed as insensible and irrational having
belief more in witch doctors than medical doctors. The decisions taken by them are
impulsive and eccentric. A mother breeds an infant and abandons near the lake. The
government employee takes public fund and constructs his house. Even the entire
setting of this novel is represented as exotic, inscrutable and mysterious. The
represented Kathmandu valley and Nepalese people hardly match with the real
Kathmandu. The place Kathmandu is transformed a lot. People are increasingly
conscious of individual rights and freedom but Upadhyay sees Nepal and Nepalese
people living in the same dark zone of mystery and backwardness as described by
orientalists. The researcher makes use of Edward Said‟s key concepts from
Orientalism, Stuart Hall‟s theory of representation and Foucauldian notion of
representation to show that Upadhyay is influenced by the western power. This
research shows Upadhyay's desire for popularity and economic gain by writing from
the metropolitan position.
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Keywords
Novel, Buddha’s Orphans, Nepalese culture