Authors:

Neha Hariyani, Titixa Mukeshbhai Pandya

Abstract:

This research paper examines the innovative blending of Indian and Western narrative techniques in Vikram Chandra’s novel Red Earth and Pouring Rain. The study explores how Chandra integrates traditional Indian storytelling forms, such as the frame narrative akin to the structure seen in ancient epics like the Mahabharata and the Panchatantra, with elements characteristic of Western literary styles, including stream-of-consciousness and metafiction. In the context of Narratological experiments, Indian English fiction is considered to have the implications of global narrative techniques without breaking the attachment of local roots. Vikram Chandra, born in Delhi in 1961, has risen to prominence as one of the most acclaimed of the current generation of practitioners of Indian Writing in English. His first fiction- Red Earth and Pouring Rain had won outstanding critical acclaim and two prestigious awards: The Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book and The David Higham Prize for fiction. Chandra introduces Hindu mythological personas like Yama, Ganesha and Hanuman. They participate in narration and action along with The narrative voice- Sanjay, the reincarnated, typewriter-ape who retells in magic realism mode. The Protagonist is an Indian, America-return college student whose narration moves readers in the 20th century. The novel chronicles the aspects of Indian history, mythology and western invaders in India from about 1750 through 1900. The work remains as a ‘modern epic’ of the Indian subcontinent. The present paper focuses on studying his art of narration as a meritorious story-teller whose literary movement is centrifugal; going from inside towards the outside. This hybrid narrative framework not only serves to bridge cultural storytelling methods but also enriches the thematic depth, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of themes such as identity, history, and mortality. Additionally, the study discusses the reception of Chandra's narrative techniques by diverse audiences, thereby contributing to the discourse on cross-cultural literature and the global novel. Author embraces Indian history and its western counterpart with blending of classical Indian as well as western narrative traditions.

Keywords:

Narratology, Narrative techniques, Merging of narrative traditions, Colonial history, mythology, intertextuality, Metafiction, Magic realism.

Vol & Issue:

VOL.16, ISSUE No.1, March 2024