Unravelling Indianness in R.K. Narayan’s novels: A multidisciplinary exploration of culture, tradition and modernity

Abstract

The works of R.K. Narayan immortalize the cultural essence of Indian culture via their complex and interconnected plots. This article takes a multidisciplinary approach to analyze Narayan’s unique portrayal of Indianness, drawing from cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology. Narayan deftly uses his made-up community of Malgudi to show how social structures work, how traditions resist modernization, and how everyday Indian life is deeply philosophical. This study delves into the worldwide impact of Narayan’s writings by investigating key aspects such as familial relationships, rituals, and the interplay between tradition and progress. The goal is to demonstrate how Narayan’s stories transcend national boundaries and offer generally applicable perspectives on Indian culture. Additionally, this study enhances Narayan’s talent for combining universal and local issues. This quality contributes to the enduring appeal of his writings. This study will go into the cultural shifts he portrayed, the colonial past’s influence, and the stories’ social undercurrents.
A living icon in Indian English literature, R.K. Narayan is known for writing works that portray the essence of Indian life. His made-up world, centered on the Indian town of Malgudi, is a microcosm of Indian culture because it combines the local with the global (Narayan, R.K., 1958). Narayan’s meticulous storytelling invites readers to get completely engrossed in the intricate tapestry of Indian life, where modernity, tradition, and culture exist in a delicate balance. This article examines how Narayan’s novels shed light on India’s sociocultural fabric to deconstruct his works’ intricate portrayal of Indianness. This research takes a multidisciplinary approach by integrating literary analysis with sociological, anthropological, and philosophical principles to comprehensively understand Narayan’s worldview. It further highlights how his exploration of Indianness transcends cultural boundaries and offers profound insight into the common human experience. The fact that Malgudi is fictional and famous demonstrates Narayan’s talent for creating a relevant cultural milieu that appeals to readers from all walks of life.
Narayan’s ability to weave together stories with deep roots in Indian culture and global themes makes his works stand out. Because of this tension between regional specificity and global relevance, Narayan’s works can transcend cultural barriers and speak to readers from all walks of life. Whether exploring the tension between tradition and modernity, the complexities of social institutions, or the philosophical contemplations embedded in everyday life, Narayan’s writing takes readers on a universal and enduring journey (Srinivas, M. N., 1995). As this article delves more into these points, it becomes evident that Narayan’s creative world reflects India and the greater human experience.