Anticipating Post-independence Indian socio politics in Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to use Vikram Seth's novel A Suitable Boy to illustrate the sociopolitical situation in India following independence. Given that Vikram Seth has lived outside for about half of his life, particularly during the 1950s, which are depicted in the novel, it is clear that he has done extensive research to understand the political situation. Seth demonstrates his social realism by concentrating on society, its customs and behavior, and current affairs. Additionally, by discussing the Nehruvian era and other major figures from that era, he has accurately depicted the political landscape. It is also evident that "A Suitable Boy" is a work of political fiction that depicts the developing politics of recently independent India. In this novel, the social struggles and politics of a typical middle-class family are entwined. Seth concentrates on the Hindu-Muslim dispute and the necessity of religious intolerance in addition to politics.