Evolution Of Indian Society: A Comparative Study Of Tradition And Modernity In The Works Of V.S. Naipaul And Arvind Adiga

Abstract

The transformation of India from a deeply traditional society to a rapidly modernizing nation has been a recurring theme in contemporary literature. V.S. Naipaul and Arvind Adiga, two prominent authors, offer contrasting portrayals of this transition through their distinct narrative styles and thematic concerns. Naipaul’s works, deeply rooted in journalistic inquiry, autobiography, and reflective commentary, provide a historical and analytical perspective on India’s evolving socio-political landscape. His detached yet critical lens examines the persistence of traditional structures, caste hierarchies, and the impact of colonial legacies on modern India. Conversely, Adiga employs satire, dark humor, and first-person narratives to expose the stark socio-economic disparities, corruption, and ethical dilemmas of contemporary urban India. His fast-paced, character-driven storytelling offers a more immediate and visceral critique of the nation's contradictions. This study critically contrasts the approaches of both authors in depicting India’s transformation, highlighting their differing perspectives on modernity, class struggle, and cultural evolution. While Naipaul’s reflective style seeks to understand India’s past to explain its present, Adiga’s provocative narratives emphasize the moral ambiguities of survival in an increasingly capitalist society. By analyzing their literary techniques and thematic explorations, this research sheds light on how fiction serves as a powerful medium for examining India's complex and evolving identity. The study concludes that while both authors critique India’s modernization, their differing approaches provide complementary insights, enriching the discourse on India’s socio-political and cultural metamorphosis