Idealization of nation-state in Raja Rao‘s Kanthapura

Abstract

This dissertation through postcolonial approach has analyzed Raja Rao‘s Kanthapura to investigate into endeavors for Indian independence by the residents of Kanthapura that represents India. The research has been an investigation for cultural and social barriers to the success of Indian Struggle against colonizers who divided people of India in terms of caste, class and religion that impaired the fair mission of Gandhi for Swaraj through non-violence. The study has employed the postcolonial theory to look into the problems in the contemporary Indian society that needed unification for victory against British colonial rule. Moorthy, a revolutionary leader of Indian Independence Movement as depicted in the novel strives to unite people from different sociological categories by boycotting the established rules of traditional Indian society that believes in caste differences strictly. However, the dual state of minds of many characters as portrayed to represent different faiths and castes of Kanthapura becomes an obstacle to making India great and united.