LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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Volume 25:7 July 2025
ISSN 1930-2940

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A Study on Cultural Estrangement and Amalgamation in Amitav Ghosh's The Glass Palace and Sea of Poppies

Dr.K.Sathiya Priya, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Abstract

Literature presents the life and culture of diverse people and acts as a mirror, revealing the dynamic interaction of identities, cultures, and society. Writers put in great efforts in portraying the culture, tradition and practice of the society they deal with. By reflecting and forming cultural identities, literature promotes cross-cultural understanding and provides insights into a range of experiences. Amitav Ghosh is a renowned writer who skilfully illustrates the intricacies of cultural representation in his works. In The Glass Palace, Ghosh represents culture through themes of hybridity, displacement, and the effects of colonialism on identity. Cultural crossings are also experienced by the main character, Rajkumar, a Bengali living in Burma, through his interactions and connections with Burmese people. Through his examination of the intricacies of national identity creation in the backdrop of colonialism and migration, Ghosh demonstrates how characters struggle with their sense of belonging and their origins. The limitations that society places on women, especially widows, and the impacts of customs such as sati are examined in Sea of Poppies. To depict the linguistic diversity of the time period and the relationships between characters, Sea of Poppies uses a variety of languages and dialects, such as Hindi, French, English, Pidgin, and Lascari. This language environment is a reflection of the intricate relationships between cultures as well as the effects of colonialism on intercultural dialogue.

Keywords:Hybridity, Displacement, Estrangement, Amalgamation

Introduction

Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed writer, proves himself remarkable in his skill in describing the society alive in his works. This study focuses on the differences among communities and how the circumstances provide opportunities to adopt themselves and evolve as citizens of the world. Novels by Amitav Ghosh like The Glass Palace and Sea of Poppies, delve deeply into the issues of cultural differences and assimilation. Complex cultural interchange and transformation processes and the resulting feelings of alienation are explored in these novels. The novels have significantly contributed to the study of cultural fusion and alienation. These stories are a timeless reminder that, in the complex dance of cultures, the lines between acculturation and estrangement are ever-evolving and changeable.

Importance of Characters in The Glass Palace The Glass Palace is a novel about places, spaces, separations, and times. It tells the story of several families, their relationships, and their lives. The protagonist, Rajkumar, is an Indian orphan who accidentally travels to Burma. Rajkumar stands out among his peers for his curiosity, acute awareness, and capacity for measured risk-taking. Rajkumar works in the tea shop owned by Ma Cho, a matronly woman. He enjoys lying about his age so that he may act older. Rajkumar is a worldly orphan who has travelled extensively. He starts his lifelong hunt for locations and people when he gets to Mandalay. The city takes him in, "Long straight roads radiated outwards from the walls, forming a neat geometrical grid. So intriguing was the ordered pattern of these streets that Rajkumar wandered far afield exploring" (Tiwari 89). He quickly feels at home in his new surroundings. Although he intuitively understands that orphans like him cannot enter the crystal-clear glass paradise that is the Mandalay Fort, "No matter what Ma Cho said, he decided, he would cross the moat-before he left Mandalay, he would find a way in" (Tiwari 90). This flame distinguishes Rajkumar for a life of achievement, excitement, and riches. His orphan status lends him a distinct sensibility. He can see each scenario objectively. Protecting oneself and caring for oneself is his only priority. He is an unrestrained growing youngster. His life experiences have made him pragmatic.

Rajkumar, who has already established himself as a prosperous and well-respected businessman, is ready to hunt for Dolly in India after his installation. He believes tracking her won't be too difficult because Dolly was with the overthrown King and Queen of Burma. Here, Ghosh emphasizes the dismal state of orphans who rely on their luck, family, and society via the persona of Rajkumar. Some instances of orphans are Rajkumar-Dolly from The Glass Palace and Paulette from Sea of Poppies. Rajkumar has made a home for himself in The Glass Palace, but Dolly is a doll made by Queen Supayalat. She is utterly dependent on the King's family. A girl who is an orphan in our culture is likewise a severe issue since she is vulnerable to the society's harsh treatment. Through the novel, Ghosh makes the case that providing these kids with a solid education and upbringing is also a significant responsibility of our society.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr.K.Sathiya Priya, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in English
Sri GVG Visalakshi College for Women Tirupur Dt, Tamilnadu
priyaksp86@gmail.com
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