Representation of the Impact of Gandhian Politics in Raja Rao's Kanthapura

Abstract

This research makes an intensive study of Raja Rao’sKanthapura.Kanthapurawhichis regarded as a major landmark in Indian fiction; is the story of how the influence of Gandhian struggle for independence came to a small village. It tries to show how the Gandhian politics had affected on the actions of the villagers in their struggle against the British Raj. They fought non- violently with the strength of 'Satyagraha'(soul force) for freedom. The events of the novel, Kanthapuramove around the effect of Gandhian non-violence. This novel has become such a document which is presented as a mirror of Gandhi's activities. Practising the Gandhian principles, the villagers keep the hope ofbeing free from the British reign. Then they start the struggle against the British Raj but they cannot have the success at the end. They have to face the migration from their own village. Thus, it represents Gandhi's both-positive and negative impact onthe villagers' behavior and also portrays how the villagers adopted, appreciated and faced challenges during the revolt against the British government in colonial India.