Since the early 20th century, British literature has often portrayed India through the lens established by E.M. Forster in his novel A Passage to India. This narrative style, heavily influenced by “orientalism,” is evident in works like Paul Scott’s The Jewel in the Crown and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s Heat and Dust. V.S. Naipaul’s India: A Million Mutinies Now continues this tradition, reflecting on India through themes and devices reminiscent of Forster’s work.

Imperial Echoes in Naipaul’s Depiction

Naipaul’s narrative begins with a familiar imagery of India, reminiscent of Forster’s descriptions. As he arrives in Bombay, he paints a picture of the city with its weathered concrete buildings and the grime rising from the bustling streets below. This depiction serves to reassure a Western audience with preconceived notions of India, formed through earlier literary and cinematic portrayals, that they are stepping into a familiar narrative territory.

Kashmir: A Recurrent Motif

Naipaul’s journey ends in Kashmir, drawing a parallel to the closing scenes of A Passage to India. The setting, along with elements such as corrupt locals and religious tensions, rekindles memories of Forster’s narrative. While Naipaul comments on the independence movement with a critical lens, he remains skeptical yet not wholly pessimistic about India's post-colonial trajectory.

Revisiting the Sepoy Rebellion

The book’s subtitle references the 1857 sepoy rebellion, a historical event often viewed as the dawn of Indian resistance against British rule. Naipaul critiques the nationalist narrative, framing the rebellion as a last surge of Muslim power, which contrasts with scholarly consensus that sees it as a broader uprising. His use of British spelling for Awadh highlights his alignment with colonial perspectives, often disregarding the complex indigenous participation in the rebellion.

Mimicry and Cultural Identity

Naipaul explores the theme of mimicry, suggesting that post-colonial societies imitate their former colonizers. This is underscored by his own transformation into a quintessential British gentleman, which he acknowledges even as he critiques Indian mimicry. Despite these contradictions, Naipaul exhibits occasional empathy for the enduring impact of colonial rule on Indian society.

Contrasting Political Landscapes

Naipaul contrasts the political climates of Bombay and Calcutta, highlighting his criticism of the leftist governance in West Bengal. His disdain extends to the Naxalite movement, which he portrays with irony and skepticism, overlooking its historical roots in anti-colonial struggles. Although he disapproves of their methods, Naipaul inadvertently acknowledges the force of revolutionary movements in challenging injustices.

The Dalit Panthers and Social Movements

In "Bombay Theatre," Naipaul recounts his meeting with Namdeo Dhasal, founder of the Dalit Panthers. He draws parallels between the Dalits in India and African Americans in the U.S., despite recognizing the limitations of this comparison. Naipaul observes the complexities of Namdeo’s struggle within the Indian context, underscoring the societal challenges that differentiate it from the American experience.

The Burden of History

Naipaul acknowledges the deep historical roots that shape Indian society, differentiating it from less tradition-bound cultures. This recognition of history’s powerful presence provides insight into the silent resilience of India’s marginalized communities. Yet, Naipaul’s analysis is marred by biases and misunderstandings, often failing to appreciate the political dynamics that enable "rejecting rejection."

Critical Reception and Legacy

Naipaul, though a controversial figure, is recognized for his articulate yet contentious portrayal of the non-Western world. While his works captivate Western audiences, his perspectives are often critiqued for their prejudices and oversimplifications. The challenge lies in discerning the insightful critiques from the dismissive narratives that characterize his examination of Indian society.

Sources for Further Study

Chicago Tribune. January 6, 1991, XIV, p. 5.

The Christian Science Monitor. February 28, 1991, p. 11.

Foreign Affairs. LXX, Summer, 1991, p. 182.

Los Angeles Times Book Review. January 13, 1991, p. 9.

The New Republic. CCIV, June 10, 1991, p. 23.

The New York Review of Books. XXXVIII, February 14, 1991, p. 3.

The New York Times Book Review. XCV, December 30, 1990, p. 1.

ORBIS. XXXVI, Winter, 1992, p. 156.

Publishers Weekly. CCXXXVII, November 9, 1990, p. 48.

Time. CXXXVII, January 14, 1991, p. 61.

The Times Literary Supplement. October 5, 1990, p. 1059.