Socio-Cultural Conflicts in the Short-Stories of Mulkraj Aanand

Abstract

Apurba Kumar Roy Abstract: Mulk Raj Anand is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding writers of Indo-Anglian fiction. He was a past master in sketching the social and cultural conflicts present in the social fabric in which the downtrodden people live in India. In his novels the themes which Anand specifically deals with are social awareness, the evils of feudalistic social set up, exploitation of women in the society of downtrodden classes, etc. If we look at conflicts in general, we find that they are multifarious in character, viz. mental, social, economic and so on. Anand’s primary aim is to throw satirical light on the injustice, oppression and exploitation in the society. All his literary works are virtually works of protest—protest against social mal-practices and superstitions. Thus his creations do not merely mirror the social conflicts as he perceives to be present in the society, but they are a conscious protest to form an ideal human society as well. As a reformist and social thinker Anand the novelist has lent a valuable through his novels. His stories showcase the social conditions of the marginalised class, particularly in respect of social, cultural, racial and economic conflicts afflicting their lives. This paper seeks to trace briefly the social and cultural conflicts as reflected in the writings of Mulk Raj Anand, specifically his short stories. Key -Words: oppression, untouchability , protest ,exploitation ,social consciousness ,conflict. Click here to pri...