Unique Blending of Myth and Reality in Raja Rao's Kanthapura : A Critical Study

Abstract

This paper deals with the importance and significance of using the myth and reality in Raja Rao's famous novel Kanthapura (1938). Myth is an inseparable part of the culture of any country. Every Village of India has its own story of origin through it may or may not be true. But Raja Rao in his Kanthapura very carefully uses several myths to establish the plot of the story. Through various symbols he used a lots of myths only to portray the cultural, economical and social condition of the then India under British rule. The central myth of Kanthapura is analysed through the mythical analogy of Lord Rama and Mahatma Gandhi. Achakka, Moorthy and the village Kanthapura itself stands as prominent mythological symbols throughout the whole story. Although the theme of the novel is clearly discusses here. Subsequently the present paper clearly highlights the various hidden cultures, rituals and customs of ancient India and their existences.