Kanthapura - Raja Rao

Kanthapura is a novel by Indian writer Raja Rao. This novel portrays ways of living of one Indian village. Caste system, deities, untouchability, etc. But the main theme of the novel is freedom struggle of villagers against British.

The story is told by one old lady Achakka. Setting of the novel is 1930. Kanthapura is a small village. The protagonist Moorthy lefts university and becomes follower of Gandhi and his way of non violence. In village he becomes activist and try to awaken people. Because of his activities, police force is sent to village. Police officer named Bade Khan beats him. Moorthy does fast for three days but he got arrested. In absence of him Rangamma continues to provoke people and other women. After three months Moorthy is released. When he returns, he finds cruelty and violence is increased by police officers but still he continues on Gandhi's way. The story ends with settlement of villagers in Kashipur village.

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Ajit Kaliya

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