Comment on Raja Rao's delineation of Gandhian ideology in the novel Kanthapura.

Gandhian Ideology and its Manifestation in Kanthapura

Rao doesn’t present Gandhian ideology as a monolithic entity. Instead, he shows its multifaceted impact through various characters and events. The novel’s structure itself, mimicking a *sthala purana* (local legend), suggests a process of adaptation and localization of a national narrative.

Swadeshi and Economic Self-Reliance

• The initial impetus for the village’s involvement in the nationalist movement stems from the boycott of foreign cloth, a core tenet of Gandhi’s *Swadeshi* movement. The women of Kanthapura actively participate in burning foreign cloth, symbolizing a rejection of colonial economic exploitation.
• However, Rao subtly critiques the limitations of *Swadeshi* in a village economy. The khadi produced is often of poor quality and insufficient to meet the needs of the villagers, highlighting the practical challenges of economic self-reliance.
• The moneylender, Raman Iyer, initially benefits from the *Swadeshi* movement by selling locally produced goods at inflated prices, demonstrating how even noble ideals can be exploited.

Satyagraha and Non-Violent Resistance

• The villagers’ participation in protests and picketing, inspired by Gandhi’s *Satyagraha*, is a central theme. The novel vividly portrays the courage and resilience of ordinary people facing police brutality.
• The character of Moorthy embodies the Gandhian ideal of selfless service and non-violent resistance. He dedicates himself to the cause, enduring hardship and imprisonment without resorting to violence.
• However, Rao also shows the fragility of non-violence. The villagers’ initial commitment to peaceful protest is gradually eroded by frustration and anger, leading to instances of retaliatory violence, particularly after the arrest of Moorthy.

The Role of Women and Moral Authority

• *Kanthapura* is remarkable for its portrayal of women as active agents in the nationalist movement. Characters like Achakka, the village elder, and the numerous women who participate in protests and picketing, demonstrate the crucial role of women in mobilizing support for Gandhi’s ideals.
• Rao highlights the moral authority that women wield within the village community. Their participation lends legitimacy to the movement and challenges traditional patriarchal structures.
• The novel also subtly explores the limitations placed on women’s agency. Their involvement is often framed within the context of domesticity and religious duty, rather than as independent political actors.

The Limitations and Distortions of Gandhian Ideals

• Rao doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of the nationalist movement. The novel portrays the rise of communal tensions and the exploitation of religious sentiments for political gain.
• The character of Bhatia, the local businessman, represents the opportunism and self-interest that can undermine even the most noble ideals. He manipulates the movement for his own profit, highlighting the dangers of political corruption.
• The novel suggests that Gandhi’s message, while powerful, can be misinterpreted and distorted as it travels from the national level to the local context.

The Narrative Technique and its Impact on Portrayal

Rao’s unique narrative style – a blend of epic storytelling, folklore, and stream of consciousness – contributes significantly to his delineation of Gandhian ideology. The collective voice of the village, narrating the story, emphasizes the communal nature of the movement and the shared experience of the villagers. This narrative technique also allows Rao to present multiple perspectives and to avoid a simplistic or didactic portrayal of Gandhian ideals.