Treatment of Nationalism in Shashi Tharoor’s the Great Indian Novel

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted treatment of nationalism in Shashi Tharoor’s The Great Indian Novel, a satirical reimagining of the Indian independence movement through the allegorical framework of the Mahabharata. Tharoor employs parody, myth, and political allegory to interrogate the evolution of Indian nationalism from the colonial period to the post-independence era. The novel critiques both the idealism of early nationalist leaders and the disillusionment that followed in the wake of partition and political opportunism. Through characters modeled on historical figures, Tharoor exposes the contradictions and complexities inherent in nationalist discourse—juxtaposing Gandhian moralism with Nehruvian modernity and later political cynicism. The paper argues that Tharoor’s depiction of nationalism is neither celebratory nor dismissive but rather a nuanced reflection on its role in shaping India’s identity. By blending history and myth, The Great Indian Novel challenges monolithic narratives and invites readers to reconsider the ideological underpinnings of nationalism in modern India.