The Politics of Myth and History: A Critical Examination of Kanthapura’s Narrative Strategies

Abstract

The paper examines the politics of myth and history in Raja Rao’s Kanthapura which deals with the story of national struggle through the viewpoint of a villager, Achakka. The publication of the novel in 1938 coincides with significant events in the Indian freedom struggle movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. The novelist employs various ways to show mythological and historical narratives. Kanthapura’s narrative strategies offer a nuanced and complex portrayal of Indian identity which unveil notions of culture. Kanthapura is a path-breaking novel that not only captured the spirit of India’s struggle for independence but also redefined the contours of Indian literature. The narrative strategies of the novel present a key feature of its politics of myth and history. The transformation of Kanthapura from a quaint, feudal village to a hub of Gandhian ideology is a nuanced and gradual process, meticulously crafted by Raj Rao. Following a detailed examination of the village’s caste system, Rao shifts his focus to vibrant religious landscape of Kanthapura, revealing his personal fascination with the spiritual lives of its inhabitants. Through the vivid descriptions, Rao brings to life the joy and fervour with which the villagers celebrate various religious festivals, showcasing the integral role these events play in their social and cultural fabric.