Kanthapura by Rao Raja review by Utekar Soham Sandesh FYBHMCT Student MSIHMCT Pune book is structured in various parts
Plot and Themes
At the heart of Kanthapura is the arrival of Gandhi’s ideas in the village, initially through the influence of the protagonist, Moorthy. Moorthy, a young and idealistic man who is inspired by Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, equality, and self-reliance, begins organizing the villagers for the freedom struggle. His efforts to rally the community meet with resistance from the conservative elements of the village, particularly the upper castes and the local temple priest, who see Gandhi’s ideas as a threat to their established social order.
Narrative Style and Language
Raja Rao’s narrative style in Kanthapura is unique and experimental. The novel is written in a stream-of-consciousness style that often blends dialogue with internal monologue, mimicking the oral storytelling tradition prevalent in rural India. The prose is rich in imagery, and Rao incorporates elements of Kannada, the language spoken in the region, to infuse the narrative with a sense of authenticity and cultural depth. This linguistic blend, often referred to as Indlish (Indian English), creates a distinct rhythm that reflects the oral traditions of the village.
Characterization
The characters in Kanthapura are drawn with great care, each representing a different aspect of Indian society. Moorthy, the young freedom fighter, is the idealist who seeks to change the world with Gandhi’s principles. Achakka, the narrator, symbolizes the wisdom and resilience of rural India, while other characters, such as the conservative priest and the village headman, represent the forces of tradition and orthodoxy.
Understanding of Cultural and Social Tensions
The novel highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, especially how Gandhi’s revolutionary ideas challenge age-old social norms, including the rigid caste system and gender roles. Reading Kanthapura offers readers an understanding of how these traditional structures were resistant to change, and how they evolved during this period.
It’s also an excellent way to understand how social divisions, particularly caste, influenced Indian society at the time and how the independence movement sought to challenge these structures.