Orientalist Representation in Samrat Upadhyay's Buddha's Orphans

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.