QUEST FOR IDENTIH IN THE NOVELS OF ANITA DESAI, KAMALA MARKANDAYA AND RUTH PRAWER JHABVALA

Abstract

As a result of the close cultural and inter-cultural contact with the West for several decades, the Indian writers have produced a considerable body of fiction that explores the seemingly infinite subject of the East West dichotomy. The cross cultural interaction is a recurring theme of the post-Independence era. This theme has been viewed from different perspectives and with a remarkable insight into the understanding of the two conflicting sides, the native and the alien. "nVree women novel ists, fcfcke Anita Desai, Kamala Markandaya and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala--have successfully explored the situations and content of this complex inter-cultural conflict taking into account the various socio-political changes that have taken place since the middle of this century. The treatment of this theme in the novels of these writers, with an amazing variety and richness of thoughts, demonstrates that they are in full control of their means and materials. Chapter one describes the Western impact on the Eastern . . modern i-oo-y o£ mind. Modern education, rational thinking and more significantly eur changed outlook about women are some of the most precious gifts of the Western culture. The age-old evil customs, began dissolving in the light of modern ideas, specially the new pattern of education. (i) Chapter two deals with the inter-racial encounter, which has led to the problems of alienation intimately related to the loss of and the quest for one's identity. The fast- increasing race for Western mode of life has made Indians each a 'nowhere man'. It is very clear that an Indian can never be fully an Englishman by merely undergoing British training and adopting British manners and thinking. Chapter three describes the crippling effects of industrialization on the pure and serene atmosphere of the countryside. The Indian villagers were content to live in the soulful quietude of their little village till their Garden of Eden was ravaged by the serpent in the form of industrialization. The havoc of hunger, poverty and squalor, human damnation, racial recalcitrance, cultural chaos, the assault of modernity on traditional faith, and the individual's inner cries are some of the worst evils of industrialism and urbanization. Chapter four uncovers the fact that though the scientific and technical superiority of the West cannot be denied, we fail to underline the significance of human values. The material progress made under the Western impact cannot fill the spiritual vacuum in man, turning him into a cold-blooded, emotionless, mechanical creature. But it doesn't lead us anywhere when we deny the existence and sustenance of human values and sensibilities. (ii) Chapter f-ive describes that despite her poverty, her dirt and disease, her squalor and backwardness, her heat and dust and other horrifying living conditions, India has a peculiar appeal for Westerners, who, fed up with their materialistic pursuit of affluence, turn to this land in the quest of peace of mind and spiritual solace in order to give meaning to their empty lives. But India's new generation, influenced by modern ideas, questions what kind of society this is that demands human sacrifices. To conclude, we can say that it is not through domination but through mutual respect, appreciation and understanding that a harmonious union and happy lasting relationship between the East and the West can be established. The experience of a multicultural situation has filtered into the lives of the people who have had the misfortune of colonial experience.