Published Paper Details:

The interplay between politics, power, and individual agency forms a cornerstone of Indian English literature, particularly in the works of Nayantara Sahgal and Raja Rao. This study examines the social and political contexts embedded in their novels, focusing on how protagonists navigate the turbulent landscapes of colonial and post-colonial India. Sahgal, drawing from her Nehru-Gandhi family background, infuses her narratives with critiques of post-independence corruption, authoritarianism, and gender dynamics, as seen in novels like Rich Like Us (1985) and Mistaken Identity (1988). Her protagonists, often elite women or intellectuals, grapple with personal crises amid national upheavals, such as the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi, highlighting the erosion of democratic ideals and the abuse of power. In contrast, Raja Rao's metaphysical approach blends Gandhian philosophy with spiritual quests, portraying politics as a pathway to self-realization in works like Kanthapura (1938) and The Serpent and the Rope (1960). His protagonists, typically Brahmin seekers, embody the fusion of social activism and inner enlightenment, reflecting the Gandhian non-violent resistance against colonial rule and the broader search for truth in a divided society. Through a comparative lens, this article reveals convergences and divergences: both authors use protagonists to symbolize national aspirations and failures, yet Sahgal emphasizes secular, feminist critiques of power structures, while Rao integrates Advaita philosophy and folklore to transcend political materialism. The analysis draws on historical contexts, including the freedom struggle, partition, and post-Nehru disillusionment, to argue that these novels not only document India's socio-political evolution but also interrogate the protagonist's role as a mediator between individual freedom and collective destiny. By exploring themes of power dynamics, social hierarchies, and moral decay, the study underscores how Sahgal and Rao contribute to a nuanced understanding of identity in modern India. Ultimately, their works serve as cautionary tales, urging readers to reflect on the perils of unchecked authority and the enduring quest for ethical governance in a diverse nation.