Comparison between African and Asian Colonialism

Colonialism had a significant impact on both Africa and India, and while there are some similarities,
there are also several differences in the colonial effects on these regions. Here are some of the key
comparisons:

Economic Effects: The British colonization of India focused on exploiting India's resources for the benefit
of Britain. India was forced to become a supplier of raw materials and an importer of finished goods
from Britain, which led to the decline of traditional Indian industries. The British also imposed a heavy
taxation system on India, which further hindered its economic growth.

In contrast, Africa was also exploited for its resources, but the focus was more on extracting and
exporting raw materials such as gold, diamonds, and rubber. The European powers did not invest in
developing the infrastructure and industries in Africa, which meant that the continent remained
underdeveloped even after the colonial period ended.

Political Effects: The British used a "divide and rule" policy in India, pitting different religious and ethnic
groups against each other to maintain their power. This led to deep-seated divisions and tensions that
continue to this day.

In Africa, the colonial powers imposed arbitrary borders that did not take into account the ethnic and
cultural differences of the people. This has led to ongoing conflict and instability in many African
countries.

Social Effects: The British education system in India was designed to create a class of educated Indians
who would be loyal to the British Empire. This had the unintended consequence of creating a nationalist
movement that eventually led to India's independence.

In Africa, the colonial powers did not prioritize education and many Africans were denied access to
education. This created a significant gap in education between Africans and Europeans, which has
contributed to ongoing social and economic inequality.

Overall, while both India and Africa were affected by colonialism, the specific ways in which they were
impacted varied significantly.

Detailed Comparison between colonial effects of Africa in (Things Fall Apart) and India in (Waiting For
Mahatma)

"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe and "Waiting for Mahatma" by R.K. Narayan are two classic novels
that depict the colonial experiences of Africa and India, respectively. Both novels explore the impact of
colonialism on the cultural, social, economic, and political systems of the colonized societies.

In "Things Fall Apart," Achebe portrays the impact of colonialism on traditional Igbo society in Nigeria.
The novel depicts the arrival of European missionaries and traders, who disrupt the existing social order
and traditional beliefs of the Igbo people. The arrival of the colonizers leads to the erosion of traditional
values, customs, and beliefs, and the imposition of Western values and ideals.

Similarly, in "Waiting for Mahatma," Narayan depicts the effects of British colonialism on India during
the independence movement. The novel revolves around the character of Sriram, a young man who is
drawn to the ideals of the Indian independence movement. However, his relationship with a British
woman named Bharati complicates his involvement in the movement and forces him to confront the
contradictions and complexities of the colonial experience.

One key difference between the two novels is the extent to which the colonizers are portrayed as being
responsible for the colonial effects. In "Things Fall Apart," the colonizers are depicted as being
responsible for the destruction of the Igbo culture and society. The novel portrays the colonizers as
being ruthless and oppressive, imposing their values and beliefs on the Igbo people and undermining
their traditional systems of governance and social organization.

In contrast, in "Waiting for Mahatma," the colonizers are portrayed as being less directly responsible for
the colonial effects. Instead, the novel focuses on the internal contradictions and conflicts within the
Indian independence movement itself. The novel suggests that the Indian independence movement was
not always united in its goals or methods, and that internal divisions and disagreements weakened the
movement's ability to resist colonialism effectively.

Another key difference between the two novels is the way in which they depict the impact of
colonialism on gender roles and relations. In "Things Fall Apart," the arrival of the colonizers leads to a
significant shift in gender relations, with women losing power and influence in the society. The novel
depicts the colonizers as being responsible for this shift, as they introduce Western ideas about gender
roles and undermine traditional Igbo beliefs about the importance of women in society.

In contrast, in "Waiting for Mahatma," gender relations are less central to the novel's themes. The novel
focuses more on the relationship between Sriram and Bharati, which complicates his involvement in the
independence movement. However, the novel does suggest that the colonial experience had a
significant impact on gender roles and relations in India, particularly in terms of the way in which
women were excluded from the political and social spheres.

Overall, both "Things Fall Apart" and "Waiting for Mahatma" offer powerful and insightful depictions of
the colonial experience in Africa and India, respectively. While the novels differ in their focus and
approach, they both offer important perspectives on the impact of colonialism on traditional societies
and the complex and sometimes contradictory ways in which colonialism shaped the cultural, social,
economic, and political systems of the colonized nations.

Difference between colonial effects of Africa in (Things Fall Apart) and India (Waiting For Mahatma)
"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe and "Waiting for Mahatma" by R.K. Narayan are two novels that
explore the colonial effects of Africa and India, respectively. While both novels depict the impact of
colonialism on their respective societies, there are significant differences in the ways these impacts are
portrayed.

In "Things Fall Apart," Achebe portrays the impact of colonialism on the Igbo society of Nigeria. The
novel describes the arrival of European colonizers and the subsequent dismantling of the traditional
social and political structures of the Igbo people. The introduction of Christianity and Western education
leads to a clash of cultures, with the Igbo people struggling to maintain their cultural identity in the face
of European influence. The novel highlights the violence and brutality of colonialism, with the colonizers
exploiting and oppressing the Igbo people, causing a breakdown in their traditional way of life.

On the other hand, "Waiting for Mahatma" depicts the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial
rule. Narayan's novel follows the story of a young man who becomes involved in the freedom
movement and falls in love with a woman who is indifferent to political activism. Unlike "Things Fall
Apart," the impact of colonialism in "Waiting for Mahatma" is not as violent or oppressive. Instead, the
novel focuses on the social and political changes brought about by the freedom struggle, including the
rise of nationalist movements, the emergence of new political leaders, and the struggle for
independence.

In conclusion, both "Things Fall Apart" and "Waiting for Mahatma" explore the impact of colonialism on
African and Indian societies, respectively. However, the two novels differ in the ways they portray these
impacts, with "Things Fall Apart" emphasizing the violence and brutality of colonialism, while "Waiting
for Mahatma" focuses on the social and political changes brought about by the freedom struggle.

Write a detailed difference between colonial effects of Africa in ( Things Fall Apart) and India in
(Waiting for Mahatma)

"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe and "Waiting for Mahatma" by R.K. Narayan are two literary works
that explore the colonial effects on African and Indian societies, respectively. Although both novels have
colonialism as a central theme, the colonial experiences in Africa and India were different, resulting in
distinct colonial effects.

Here are some of the significant differences in the colonial effects in the two novels:

Nature of Colonization:

The British colonized India through direct rule, while the European powers colonized Africa through
indirect rule. The British introduced their laws and policies in India, which fundamentally altered the
Indian socio-political system. In contrast, the Europeans used local chiefs and leaders as intermediaries
in Africa to rule the continent. The indirect rule led to the perpetuation of traditional African societies,
but it also brought about cultural clashes, disintegration, and fragmentation of the societies.

Disruption of Social Systems:

In "Things Fall Apart," the colonial administration caused significant disruption in the social and cultural
systems of Igbo society. The arrival of the Europeans brought Christianity, which challenged the
traditional religion, customs, and values of the Igbo people. It also led to the emergence of a new class
of privileged Africans, who collaborated with the colonial administration. In contrast, the impact of
British rule in India was more on the economic and political spheres, with little disruption in the social
systems.

Political Structures:

The colonial rule in India led to the emergence of a new political class, which was empowered by the
British to govern the country. However, the British maintained ultimate control over the country's
affairs, and their policies were primarily designed to serve their interests. In contrast, the Europeans
used the existing political structures in Africa and played off one group against another to maintain
control.

Resistance to Colonialism:

In "Things Fall Apart," the Igbo people resist the colonialism and the changes it brought about,
particularly the conversion to Christianity. This resistance led to a clash between the traditional Igbo
society and the colonial administration, culminating in a war. In contrast, the resistance to British rule in
India was led by a small educated elite, who sought to transform the country into a modern, democratic
society.

Economic Impacts:

The colonial rule in India had significant economic impacts on the country. The British introduced new
crops and methods of farming, which transformed the agricultural sector. They also established a
railway network, which facilitated trade and commerce. In contrast, the European colonization of Africa
led to the exploitation of the continent's resources, particularly minerals and other raw materials.

In conclusion, while both novels explore the colonial effects on the societies in Africa and India, the
impact of colonialism was different in the two regions. The British colonialism in India brought about
significant economic and political changes but had little effect on the social systems, while the European
colonization of Africa had profound social and cultural effects, resulting in the disintegration and
fragmentation of traditional societies.
Waiting for Mahatma is a novel written by R.K. Narayan, published in 1955. It is a fictional narrative that
takes place during the Indian Independence movement and explores the themes of love, non-violence,
and nationalism. The novel also sheds light on the postcolonial effects that India faced after gaining
independence from British rule. Here is a detailed note on the postcolonial effects in the novel Waiting
for Mahatma:

Nationalism and Identity:

Postcolonial India faced a major challenge in establishing its identity and nationalism after centuries of
colonial rule. The novel explores the idea of nationalism and identity through the character of Sriram,
who is torn between his love for Bharati and his loyalty towards the British government. Sriram's
internal conflict represents the struggle that many Indians faced during the postcolonial era, as they
tried to establish their own identity and define their own nationalism.

Cultural and Social Changes:

The novel also highlights the cultural and social changes that India underwent during the postcolonial
period. The influence of British culture and values on Indian society is evident in the character of Sriram,
who is westernized and out of touch with Indian traditions. The novel suggests that India needs to
embrace its own culture and traditions to truly gain independence.

Economic Struggles:

Postcolonial India faced numerous economic struggles, including poverty and a lack of infrastructure.
The novel touches on this theme through the character of Sriram, who comes from a wealthy family but
chooses to live a simple life in the service of the Indian National Congress. Sriram's sacrifice highlights
the economic struggles that many Indians faced during the postcolonial period.

Political Instability:

The postcolonial period in India was marked by political instability and the struggle to establish a stable
government. The novel explores this theme through the character of Mahatma, who represents the idea
of non-violence and peaceful protest. Mahatma's teachings and actions inspire Sriram and other
characters in the novel, and his death at the hands of political violence highlights the struggle for
political stability in postcolonial India.

In conclusion, Waiting for Mahatma is a novel that explores the postcolonial effects in India after gaining
independence from British rule. The novel highlights the challenges that India faced in establishing its
identity, culture, and nationalism, and sheds light on the economic struggles and political instability that
characterized the postcolonial period. Through its characters and themes, the novel provides a nuanced
portrayal of the postcolonial era in India and its lasting impact on Indian society and culture.

Write a detailed note on Postcolonial effects in the novel Waiting for Mahatma
Waiting for Mahatma is a novel written by R.K. Narayan that explores the effects of colonialism on India
in the early 20th century. The novel is set in the fictional town of Malgudi and revolves around the life of
a young man named Sriram who becomes involved in the Indian independence movement after meeting
and falling in love with a young woman named Bharati.

One of the central themes of the novel is the postcolonial effects of British rule on India. The novel takes
place during the period when India was struggling to gain independence from British rule, and it
explores the impact of colonialism on Indian society and culture. The novel portrays how the colonizers
have left a lasting impact on Indian society, which can still be felt years after the end of colonial rule.

The first postcolonial effect that can be seen in the novel is the impact of colonial education on Indian
society. The British education system had a profound effect on Indian society, and it is reflected in the
novel through the character of Sriram. Sriram is a product of the colonial education system, and he is
deeply influenced by Western ideas and values. He believes that the only way to bring about change in
India is through Western-style modernization, and he is initially dismissive of the Indian independence
movement. It is only after he meets Bharati and becomes involved in the movement that he begins to
understand the importance of preserving Indian culture and traditions.

Another postcolonial effect that is portrayed in the novel is the impact of British rule on the Indian
economy. The British had a significant impact on the Indian economy, and they exploited India's
resources for their own benefit. The novel highlights the poverty and economic inequality that existed in
India during the colonial period, and it portrays the struggles of ordinary Indians to make ends meet.
The novel also explores the ways in which the Indian independence movement sought to address these
economic issues and create a more equitable society.

The novel also portrays the impact of colonialism on Indian identity. The British sought to impose their
own cultural and social norms on India, and they suppressed Indian culture and traditions. The novel
explores the tension between Indian and Western culture, and it highlights the struggle of young Indians
to reconcile their Indian identity with the influence of Western culture.

In conclusion, Waiting for Mahatma is a novel that explores the postcolonial effects of British rule on
India. The novel portrays the impact of colonial education, the economic exploitation of India, and the
suppression of Indian culture and identity. The novel also explores the ways in which the Indian
independence movement sought to address these issues and create a more equitable and just society.
Overall, Waiting for Mahatma is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the legacy of
colonialism in India.

Character sketch of Sriram

Sriram Character Sketch Waiting For Mahatma

 Sriram is the main Character and Protagonist of Waiting For the Mahatma, Which is written by a
great Indian Novelist R. K. Narayan. The story of this novel is set in Malgudi, R. K. Narayan’s famous
fictional village. The novel covers life in pre-independence India and the freedom struggle in the 1900s.

The Novel is woven around how its protagonist Sriram is changed from the state of ignorant and aimless
youth to an acute and committed freedom fighter. At first, Sriram is an inspired person who can easily
influence by anyone. At the opening of this novel, it is revealed that Sriram is an orphan; both his
parents have died, his mother in childbirth, and his father in Mesopotamian as a soldier for the British
Army. After his parent’s death, Sriram grows up under the loving care of his grandmother. When he is
twenty, his grandmother hands over the fat sum of money. She had been saving in his name.

Sriram is presented as a lazy and complacent young high school graduate living with his
grandmother. He has no knowledge of the condition of the country. But once he meets Bharati and falls
in love at first sight with her. She is a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and is involved in the freedom
struggle.

Sriram comes into contact with Gandhi through Bharati. The nearer he goes to Bharati the more
he learns about Gandhi. Sriram becomes a non-violent soldier of Gandhi and his aim was to remain with
Bharati. Gandhiji welcomed Sriram and told him:

“Before you aspire to derive the British form this country

you must drive every vestige of violence form your system.

You must train yourself to become a hundred percent

ahimsa Soldier.”

Gandhi could easily read what type of a man Sriram was. So he advised him to leave his
materialist life and accept a spiritual life. Meanwhile Sriram, a pleasure-seeking man was totally changed
into a freedom fighter and a follower of Gandhi. As part of propagating Gadhi’s message, especially Quit
India, Sriram came to the village name Solur. He halted before a shop and brought two plantains and a
bottle of Soda. The shopman told Sriram that he had a nice biscuit. Sriram asked him if the biscuit was
English. Shopkeeper replied,

“Purely English biscuits which you cannot get for miles around.”

Sriram asked, ‘Have you no sense of shame?

Sriram has transformed from a wayward selfish modern materialist to a spokesman of traditional values,
swaraj, and nationality. In pursuance of Gandhi’s while Bharati arrested, and Gandhi ji. Sriram meets
Jagdish. In the touch, Jagdish Sriram became a violent soldier of freedom. He became a slave of Jagdish
who was a follower of Subhash Chandra Bose.

Sriram did many destructive works at the request of Jagdish. Soon he understood that by
destroying things like setting fire to the records in half a dozen law courts, derailing a couple of trains,
paralyzing the work in various schools, and exploding a crude bomb none could oust the British from
India. He felt that Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent weapon was superior to the violent weapon. He was
arrested under the Defence of Indian rule.

The Materialist Sriram was converted into a spiritualist and patriot through the effort of Bharati
and Gandhiji. Sriram’s name recalls that of the great hero of the Indian epic the Ramayana.

In the plot of this, the transformation of the protagonist due to his meeting and falling in love
with Bharati is significant. The path of the protagonist’s progress has been from a state of isolated
individualism to a state of involvement with others and issues that transcends the self such as love and
nationalism. The novel clearly shows how the personal life of people is affected by political events.
Sriram and Bharati cannot consummate their relationship until India is independent.

Thus, Waiting for the Mahatma’s character Sriram is an example of progress and growth. At one
level, Sriram’s Character is an example of the progress of young, irresponsible carefree Sriram into a
passionate lover, a responsible citizen of the country with a record of considerable sacrifice, and a term
in jail to make him a complete patriot.