Theme of Extremism:
A Group of Religious Fundamentalists Twisting and Sensationalizing the Work to Further Their Own Aims:
A low key , middle aged history professor in Delhi has his calm world torn awry when a group of religious fundamentalists seizes upon his scholarly interpretations of a medieval poet saint's life , twisting and sensationalizing the work to further their own aims . Githa Hariharan deals with the theme of extremism deftly and with an impressive depth of understanding, not only of human nature, but of ancient and modern Indian history.
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| Theme of Extremism in the Novel In Times of Siege by Githa Hariharan |
Fundamentalist Extremism, A Major Threat to Academic Freedom, As Well As to A Civil Society:
Throughout the ages, narrow minded religious extremists have been responsible for a disproportionate share of the world's horrors. In our present age, as Hariharan so adeptly shows, fundamentalist extremism can be a major threat to academic freedom, as well as to a civil society. Although the troublemakers in this book are Indian Hindus, in only a slightly different setting they could just as well be extremist Christians or Muslims threatening anyone who doesn't subscribe to their own strict views.
Shiv Murthy’s Resisting Not Only His Antagonists, But Also the Timid University Administration:
In this case, the previously uncourageous Shiv Murthy, with some inspiration from the young college woman he is taking care of, summons the strength to take his life in new directions. The reader gladly identifies with him as he resists not only his antagonists, but also the timid university administration which would compromise its principles. The novel is a must for readers with a particular interest in India, but anyone enjoying well written, serious fiction will find it highly rewarding maintains a review by Gary Worthington.
Shiv - Meena Romantic Tale Begins with An Unusual Arrangement:
This elegant little novel begins with an unusual arrangement: a college student breaks her leg and asks her guardian, a friend of her parents, if she can stay with him until the cast is removed in six weeks. Professor Shiv Murthy is tantalized by the idea, even though his wife is currently visiting their daughter in Seattle and Meena doesn't think her parents need to know about her slight inconvenience. Of course, the middle - aged man is unable to resist this faintly scandalous arrangement.
Shiv composes medieval history courses for college correspondence students, so it is a simple thing for him to request a leave of absence from his assigned office, working from home on his lectures. Meena occupies the professor's small study, enjoying his attentions; neither expects the political maelstrom about to descend upon their quietude.
The professor has drifted into euphoric days, shopping and cooking for two, chatting comfortably over afternoon tea, Murthy indulging in the occasional sexual fantasy: “Wherever he is in the house .... Shiv is aware of another presence. The woman in the narrow bed in his study, a young woman.” But Shiv's private romantic fantasies are innocent.
The Extremist's Real Agenda is the Suppression of Any Conflict in Indian History:
Shiv's content is Meena's boredom. In any case, their peace is destroyed by a phone call, when a reporter asks whether Professor Murthy is taking a “forced” leave. A group of fundamentalists has attacked Murthy's lecture on the life of a 12th Century poet / reformer, who challenged the caste system, working for social reform and equality. The extremist's real agenda is the suppression of any conflict in Indian history, in effect, historical revisionism, creating the illusion of a perfect, homogenous society. Their methods of bullying and intimidation are not an issue.
Shiv Is Inspired to Speak out against the Bullying of the Fundamentalists and His Right to Teach History with Integrity:
Shiv is a simple, uncomplicated man who avoids confrontation. With the young woman's guidance, Shiv understands the significance of the situation. Rising to the occasion, Meena demands that he take a stand, calling her college friends to aid in his defense. Inspired by the poet's struggle in 1168 and his own predicament in 2000, Shiv is inspired to speak out against the bullying of the fundamentalists and his right to teach history with integrity.
Meena - the Catalyst:
While Meena is at the center of their small world, Shiv is isolated from the larger concerns around him. Yet Meena is the catalyst that enables Shiv to confront his biggest challenge. Their intimate domestic contretemps evolves into an awakening to the dangers of revisionism, the implicit deception of censorship on demand.
A Parable for Our Times:
Hariharan has written a parable for our times, one with an important message for any country that allows the censorship of facts. The author deftly stages her battle in New Delhi, but the parallels are obvious.