Miss New India: A Parable Of The Changing Indian Identity In Bharati Mukherjee’s Narrative

Abstract

Bharati Mukherjee’s novel, Miss New India, offers a valuable framework through which we can explore the changing facades of contemporary Indian identity in the context of globalization and modernity. This paper examines Mukherjee’s work as a parable mirroring the socio-cultural transformations within India, illustrating the aspirations, challenges, and complexities faced by individuals navigating the shifting landscape of the ‘New India.’ Through the protagonist, Anjali Bose, the story explores the contrast or relationship of tradition and modernity, rural and urban dynamics, and the pursuit of self-identity amidst societal expectations. This study highlights Mukherjee’s complex portrayal of the clash between tradition-rooted values and the surge of global influences, offering insights into the subtle experiences of individuals struggling with identity reformation in a rapidly changing society. This paper seeks to unravel the layers of Mukherjee’s narrative, shedding light on the broader implications of her portrayal in deciphering the socio-cultural milieu of contemporary India.