Waiting for the Mahatma by R.K. Narayan: A Study of Indian Culture

Dr. Anil Kumar

Indian Culture, Heritage, Transitional period, Cultural Expectation, Society

Waiting for the Mahatma stands out in R.K. Narayan's literary repertoire for its unique depiction of Indian culture, particularly the intricacies of life in a South Indian village. Narayan's rich descriptions bring his characters and settings to life, offering readers an immersive experience that vividly portrays the essence of the region. This research paper examines the protagonist, Sriram, through various pivotal situations in the novel, highlighting his cultural behaviours and the puerilistic traits he displays. These behaviours are scrutinized within the framework of cultural and sociological influences to understand how his family and cultural surroundings shape his personality and actions. The narrative explores Sriram's growth against the backdrop of India's independence movement, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. Initially immature and self-centred, Sriram's development is catalyzed by his interactions with Gandhi and his romantic interest, Bharati. The novel artfully contrasts Sriram's naive, self-centred nature with the selflessness required by the independence movement. His transformation from a pampered youth to a more aware and engaged individual mirrors the larger national awakening. It emphasizes that Sriram's character is deeply shaped by his environment, reflecting the traditional values and cultural expectations of his family and society. His sheltered upbringing and the protective nature of his grandmother play significant roles in his initial immaturity. As Sriram becomes more involved in the freedom struggle, he begins to shed his childish ways and embrace the responsibilities of an adult. Narayan's portrayal of Sriram captures the essence of a transitional period in Indian society during the fight for independence, showcasing the interplay between individual development and cultural heritage. Through Sriram, Narayan adeptly explores the complexities of personal and national identity, making Waiting for the Mahatma a significant and distinctive work in his collection. The novel not only provides a rich narrative but also serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural and societal changes occurring in India during that era.

"Waiting for the Mahatma by R.K. Narayan: A Study of Indian Culture", IJRTI - International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.IJRTI.org), ISSN:2456-3315, Vol.9, Issue 6, page no.641 - 646, June-2024, Available :https://ijrti.org/papers/IJRTI2406093.pdf

Volume 9 Issue 6, June-2024

Pages : 641 - 646

Paper Reg. ID: IJRTI_190091

Published Paper Id: IJRTI2406093

Downloads: 205,624

Research Area: Arts

Country: Arwal, Bihar, India

Published Paper PDF: https://ijrti.org/papers/IJRTI2406093

Published Paper URL: https://ijrti.org/viewpaperforall?paper=IJRTI2406093

ISSN: 2456-3315 | IMPACT FACTOR: 10.57 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016

An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 10.57 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator

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Publisher: IJRTI (JW Publication)