Fictionalization of Indian History in Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

Abstract

This study examines fictionalization of Indian history in Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness from the perspective of new historicism. In this paper, the researcher argues that the writer in the fiction critiques the Indian politics during the 1980s and also indirectly criticizes the political leaders from 1980-2017. The researcher also attempts to show the dissatisfactions, frustrations towards the unstable Indian government because of power hegemony, hunger of politicians and also exploitation of downtrodden people. They were badly treated by some political leaders in the name of caste, gender, religion which is ridiculous. The writer is in favor of Muslim because Hiindutwa is all over country and also she is in favor of marginalized, downtrodden people as she is willing to provide voice to the voiceless people. Moreover, her writing is convincing though she has exaggerated some issues but she seems to have felt as them as her own problems. The paper concludes that the official history of India has excluded the marginalized ones, who also should be given rights, liberty and freedom. Key Words: New Historicism, Indian Politics, Historical Context, Marginalization, Dissatisfaction, Gender Discrimination