BACKGROUND

The short story “Karma” by Khushwant Singh is told by a third-person omniscient

narrator.
The story starts with the scornful statement of Lal about his country India, saying it in-
front of a mirror while travelling in a first-class compartment of a train; while his wife
Lachmi is happily eating in an interclass zenana of the train.
The story circles on the colonial mentality embraces by one of the characters, Sir
Mohan Lal, for English culture, and the stereotype personality, of Hindu women, Lady
Lachmi.

Approaching the text

Using the Marxist lens
1. How does the author's context influence the story?
2. How many social classes are depicted in the story?
3. Which social classes do the characters represent?
4. Does the status of upper class affects the living of the lower class?
5. Is there any unfair treatment to the lower class from upper class in the story?

CRITIQUE
-Khushwant Singh, as an Indian author writing during the mid-20th century, was well
aware of the social and political context of his time. The story reflects the lingering
impact of British colonialism in India and the complex relationship between the Indian
upper class and the British colonial rulers.
-In the story "Karma," we can identify at least three social classes:
a. The British colonial rulers (represented by Sir Mohan Lal).
b. The Indian upper class or elites (represented by characters like Sir Mohan Lal and his
wife).
c. The Indian lower class (represented by the common people on the train, such as
Lachmi).
Sir Mohan Lal represents the British colonial rulers and their cultural influence. Lady
Lachmi represents the Indian upper class, who often adopt British customs and
attitudes. The common people on the train, including Lachmi, represent the Indian lower
class.
-The story implies that the status of the upper class, like Sir Mohan Lal, affects the living
conditions and experiences of the lower class. Lal travels in a first-class compartment,
while his wife Lachmi is in the interclass zenana, which suggests a clear division
between the upper and lower classes in terms of comfort and privilege during their
journey.
-The story does not explicitly depict overt unfair treatment, but it subtly highlights the
disparities and cultural divisions between the classes. Sir Mohan Lal's scornful
comments about India and his preference for English culture reflect a condescending
attitude towards his own country and culture. This can be seen as a form of cultural
imperialism and insensitivity towards the lower classes who hold traditional Indian
values.
HYPHOTHESIS
"Karma" stresses on how British colonial rule in India continues to impact society today,
particularly how the rich adopting English culture can create divisions and conflict with
traditional Indian values, highlighting the lasting effects of colonialism.