1

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 About the author:

E.M Forster; an English novelist, short story writer, essayist, and librettist was born

on January 1, 1879 and died on June 7, 1970. Studied at Ton bridge School, Kings

College and Cambridge, where he became a member of a society named as Apostles,

which later on constituted as Bloomsbury Group, which discussed moral and

philosophical questions. After graduation, he began to write short stories. He lived

once in Italy, where the scenes of his early novels take place. In 1907 he returned to

England and delivered a series of lectures at Working Men’s College. E.M Forster

then turned to literary journalism and wrote a play which was never staged. In 1911

he went to India with G. Lowes Dickinson, his mentor at Kings College. During

World War 1, foster was engaged in civilian war work in Alexandria. He returned to

London as a journalist. In 1921 he once again returned to India, to work as secretary

to the Maharajah of Dewas, Tukoji Rao, and State Senior. This trip to India became

his source for writing “A Passage to India”.

1.2An over view of the novel:

“A Passage to India” shows Forster’s views on Indian culture, ways of life and the

existence of three religions: Islam, Hinduism and Christianity, on Indian land.

Befriended with a Muslim, Syyed Rose Masood the son of Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan,
2

for seventeen years. He observed Islam and Muslim culture very closely. His

experience in India motivated him to write “A Passage to India” which was published

in 1924. In “A Passage to India” he observed the true colors of English colonists and

criticizes their attitudes and rude behavior towards the suppressed natives. On one

hand, Western cultural dominance is portrayed in the novel and on other hand; Indian

culture is also sketched in a very lucid way. Their ways of living, interaction,

harmony, brotherhood, attitudes and especially their gratitude towards British people

are also a part of the novel. Of all the novels that have appeared in England that year,

Forster’s “A Passage to India” is probably the most celebrated novel which won

James Tait Black Memorial prize in 1925. If it had merely been up to his standard, its

pre-eminence would scarcely have been challenged; and in its scope and its effect it

surpasses his previous books. In short, every characteristic of the sub-continent, in the

time of colonization, is clearly described in this novel including culture, religion,

society, friendship, and styles of life, sufferings of Indian and cruelty of Western.

Forster spent time with both; Indians and English during his visit as he become

familiar with the natives of India, he preferred the company of Indians. He was

troubled by the racial differences and deep cultural and religious misunderstandings

that divided the Indian people as Hindus and Muslim and the British colonists, or, as

they are called Anglo Indians in “A Passage to India”, Boris Ford said: ‘Forster,

representing the finest and most human in the liberal spirit, began in “A Passage to

India” the tradition of using Indian life as an image of personal experiences’

(1983:319). E.M Foster "A passage to India" is his personal experience in India, in

which he presents true Indians in liberal wings. The novel has written is his personal
3

experience in India. Forster’s irony is harsh on English on the colonization in India.

He described different attitudes of English towards Indians and they were stereotyped

politically and culturally.

1.3 Postcolonial perspectives

E.M Forster’s “A Passage to India” is loaded with many modern elements.

Postcolonial elements are one of the modern features. In the early years of literary

attention critics influenced by the setting in India and the political situation of British

colonial rule in India, tended to see the novel in political and social terms. “A

Passage to India”, as it is illustrated that it may be read for understanding and

required many valid approaches. I want the reader to read it from postcolonial

dimensions presented by Edward Said. He believed that a nation is subjugated to

another nation or country economically, culturally and politically. He describes the

binary opposition between Indians and British. The prefix "post" is added to

colonialism; means a view after to the previous colonial history of English. It refers to

the history of British former colonial setting. Colonialism is an extended national rule

over a territory. In colonialism the population of one nation is subjected and inferior

to the other superior nation. It draws our attention towards the British dominance over

other Eastern countries, such as African, Caribbean and Asian countries. They were

economically politically and culturally subjugated. India is one of them. When the

British came to India they were sincere and friendly but within one year they turned

to rule over them. They aimed only to rule. They kept them uncivilized instead of

civilizing them. Due to their official system their friendship was not possible.
4

1.4 About the theory

Postcolonial theory is a critical approach discussing the effect of colonizers over

colonized. Post colonialism is a set of theories; bring before us a complete vision of

the English colonial rule. Post colonialism raises question towards, relation,

multiculturalism, Cosmopolitanism, trans-nationality and identity crises. It is based

on the concept of otherness and resistance. The theory “post colonialism" is

developed by the distinguished personality; Edward Said "Orientalism". Postcolonial

theory includes the events of colonialism and the time when subjugated countries

have become independent. It also refers to the relation and interaction between

English and the colonized nation. In this theory particular attention is given to the

ways in which cultural and racial problems were faced by colonized. It is a critical

approach that mainly deals with the challenge faced by the once colonized and now

by independent nation.

1.5 Aims and objectives

 The research is conducted in order to know the implication of the relationship

between British and Indians. How the Indians were presented and mistreated by

British Forces?

 The research is also conducted about the representation of Indians in terms of

religion and culture.

5

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study explores and analyzes different postcolonial components of the British

former colonies. It enables the readers to know about postcolonial aspects of Britain’s

strange behavior and attitude towards Indians. The aim of this study is to create

interest in the readers to read the novel from a new postcolonial perspective.

1.7 Research Question

Q: What are the reasons behind the clash between Indians and British?

Q: How E.M Forster has presented the indigenous natives of India and the western

rulers?

1.7 Delimitation

Abundance of texts is produced about colonialism in twentieth and in

twenty first centuries. Mostly the writers and Scholars were impressed by the British

colonial phenomenon and the people of colonized countries were their subject matter

to write. But this research study is limited to the text “A Passage to India” by E.M

Forster and the text will be analyzed in the light of the relevant books, authors and

articles.
6

1.8 Rationale

Different Scholars and researchers have analyzed “A Passage to India” from

different perspectives, in order to know, why Dr. Aziz was accused and then arrested

in a case that Adela Quested has filed against him. Though, he had never committed

the crime. The British were agreed with Adela's foolish remarks about Aziz that if he

had raped her, some says she was the

Victim of hallucination, while some other critics say, she was confused because of

her relation with Ronny. I have analyzed the novel from a different dimension that is

from postcolonial perspectives. The problems and difficulties faced by Indians due to

the White’s superiority and dominance, which came in clash and divided them. In the

novel we have a variety of characters, some of them came closer to each other but at

last we meet the ultimate failure in their relations.

7

Chapter: 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Different scholars and critics have explored the novel from different perspectives,

since its publication in 1924. Their study of the novel and criticism from different

angles is a proof of its charm and complexity. So let's see how they have interpreted

and criticized the novel.

Rebecca West quoted that, “It is a political document of the first importance but note

that it is full of passages of universal beauty”, Rebecca West (Gardner 1973: 254). At

first time the critics treated this novel as a political document. There was a great

friction between natives and the British superior class. When they came to India they

were friendly with Indians, but within one year they turned to rule over them and

became Superior. Though E.M Forster says, “A passage to India”is written on the

base of his own journey and friendship, but it reflects politics.

Edward Said says, these (novelists and essayists) have always shown the Orientals as

primitive and uncivilized "others", in an attempt to create a contrast to the advanced

and uncivilized advanced westerns. In his view postcolonial theory actually based on

the false image of orients and former rule of Britain. It is an inferior view to them and

they were disguised and encapsulated.

According to Martin Green (1980) , “The thrust of the present study is to prove that

E.M Forster’s novel,“A Passage to India” is loaded with colonialist ideology of

Whites superiority and presents India as lesser and inferior.”The present study of "A

passage to India" is based on postcolonial perspectives, in which the Indians were

8

subjugated and treated as inferior culturally and politically. It shows British Raj in

India.

Muhammad Shaheen (1952), states that, “the public were divided as to whether the

novel is masterpiece or a political statement.”E.M Forster was criticized by those who

were the supporter of British Raj and Celebrated by those who were against British

civilization in India. Briggs et al. (2012) added that Postcolonial Theory was

the outcome of the criticism done on “Eurocentric colonial practices and polices”

that affected and changed the shape of the colonized society. Postcolonial theory

emerged from the effect of the British former rules over the colonized countries. It

questions multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, racism and identity, till the

decolonization of colonies.

Homi K. Bhabha declares "postcolonial perspectives emerge from the colonial

testimony of the third world countries and the discourses of minorities within the

geopolitical division of East and West, North and South" (171). Postcolonial literature

emerged in the last years of World War II from regional undergoing independence,

such as Asian countries, Caribbean and African countries. Postcolonial perspectives

take place in 20th and 21th centuries. The condition of indigenous natives was more

important issue than other things. Post colonialism is a capitalist world view after

decolonization.

Boris Ford said: ‘Forster, representing the finest and most human in the liberal spirit,

began in “A Passage to India” the tradition of using Indian life as an image of

personal experiences’ (1983:319). E.M Forster "A passage to India" is his personal

experience in India, in which he presents true Indians in liberal wings. The novel is
9

his personal experience Indian as a visitor in India Foster’s irony is harsh on English

on the Indian colonization. He described different attitudes of English toward Indians

and they were stereotyped.

According to Kipling, "OH East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall

meet"… (Line 1, 1835_1936)

Indians and English are different as the identities of two different things never meet.

There is misunderstanding between them and different outcomes from their

intermixed cultures. Foster's novel is about human failure of communication to

establish good relation and to avoid prejudice of religion, and different social

properties. Different religions and cultures are responsible for misunderstanding

between Indian and English, between Hindu and Muslim as well. “A Passage to

India” from beginning to the end related with the question, weather their relation is

possible or impossible under British colonialism. In the novel, we have different

characters, they want to make a connection, but at the end of the novel, we meet

ultimate failure, because they are different from each other.

Lyne says, "Postcolonial research includes the examination of various forms

of resistance these practices have engendered, in particular, on the part of indigenous

inhabitants of colonized land.”(p. 687). Post colonial literature brings a complete

picture before our eyes of British former rule in India. It is a view of colonized

phenomenon; various observations are made and different results came out of them.

Briggs et al says, “Postcolonial Theory was the outcome of the criticism done on

“Eurocentric colonial practices and policies,” that affected and changed the shape of

the colonized society.” Postcolonial theory emerged from the effect of the British
10

former rules. It questioned multiculturalism, ideology, racism and identity, till the

decolonization of the colonized countries. The western scholars have exposed Indians

in their writings has been occupied and imbued by culture and religion.

According to Hegel “activity of individuality, all that it does, is in itself an End; the

employment of its powers, the play of these powers in action, is what gives them life.

(235) Englishmen and Indian are distinguished individually, "Englishness" and

"Indianness". They have their own different characters and values. They are unable to

work together and live because of different cultures and religions. The English

exercises great power towards Indians with a democratic hand and become superior to

them. So, as a result the natives spend life worthless. They fail to connect with each

other due to English superiority to the natives. Their relation is temporary not just

time to time but if they are culturally and religiously determined as two different

nations.

According to Mohanty, "to define a discursive and epistemic relationship that will be

‘non-colonizing, 'that will make possible' a mutual exploration of difference."(109)

British were in India only to rule there and to keep natives uncivilized. It is the

demand of the power that it needs to be practical. They were treated by them unfairly.

Their political and official system had the power to disturbed their mutual

understanding among themselves. If their attitudes were good their relationship would

have been possible.

Cesaire also writes of colonization as a society reduced to officialdom, and for“A

Passage to India” is at least,“this officialdom is the ultimate barrier to meaningful

human contact; ‘for where there is officialism, every human relationship

11

suffers.”(Cesaire, 2000) British colonial rule was a great resistance of cultural and

personal intersection for both sides. Subcontinent was a place of dual ideological

classes. Indians were economically and politically occupied through official system in

which characters forced not represent theirselves individually but represented with

their role.

According to Wolpert, “A Passage to India” is set at the beginning of

India’s movement towards independence, in a time when ‘Congress abandoned its

policy of co-operation with the British Raj to follow Gandhi’s revolutionary call for

non-violent revolution.’ (Wolpert,(301)). In 1921 Gandhi and Bacha khan employed

non_ violent revolution against imperialistic rule. Gandhi assumed the leadership of

National Congress while Congress left the mixing and cooperation with Whites and

Bacha Khan revolted from Lieutenant Post due to the mistreatment of Britain Army

officer with a Pukhtoon. Bacha Khan was born in 1880, in Charsasdda, Uthmanzae.

He was educated from Aligarh, Kambalpur and Mission School Peshawer. When he

was appointed in Indian Imperial Army, but on the very first day he rejected the

British Military Service, when a pukhtoon Rissaldar was insulted by a British

Military officer for he had a cut English style hair. He wanted to improve social

culture and value of Pukkhtoons but his spiritual attachment to Sheikh Hindi,

Maulana Mahmoud ul Hassan, Hazrath Ubaidullah Sindi, Haji Sahib Turangzae and

the advice of Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayum Khan turned his Social movement in a

political one. In 1929 his Movement Khudai Khidmathgar started and it firmly

resoluted to work for natives freedom. Their women were tortured and they were

jailed but a red-shirt volunteer force was created which was a headache for English
12

authorities. Khudai Khidmathgar joined hands with All India Congress for Indian

Independence. Later in 1957, Khudai Khidmathgar Movement named Awami

Nationsal Party and led by Maulana Bashani Sahib. Gandhi and Bacha khan led India

to independent states. It was a broader independent Movement across the world for

civil independence.
13

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Methodological Framework

3.1.1 Qualitative data analysis

The research will be conducted through qualitative data analysis. It is a qualitative

research because most of data is collected through intensive reading. Subjectivity on

the part of reader is expected, because of the complexity of the text, it can be

analyzed through many valid approaches.

3.1.2 Textual analysis

The research will be based upon the textual analysis of “A Passage to India” through

postcolonial theory by Edward Said. The components of colonialism can be identified

in the text, in terms of culture and different identities. First the colonial rule and then

the racial problems will be analyzed to know about the relationship between British

and indigenous natives. These components will be analyzed in the light of

postcolonial theory.
14

3.2Sources

3.2.1 Primary sources

Primary sources for the study are the text book, “A Passage to India”

3.2.2 Secondary sources

Secondary sources for this study will be articles, commentaries, interpretations and

different websites.

3.3 Theoretical Framework

The text will be analyzed through the lenses of postcolonial theory presented by

Edward Said. He believes that consequences of colonialism stand firm in the form of

unorganized manners, revolution, corruption, immorality and warfare. Postcolonial

theory is a literary theory that deals with literature produced in the countries they

were once colonized by British. The indigenous natives of the colonized countries

were the subject matter of the twentieth century’s writers. On one hand postcolonial

theory is a discipline and on the other it is a methodology. As a discipline

postcolonial theory discusses the effects of British colonial rule till the Independent

Movement when the colonies were decolonized. It raises questions towards the

relations, identity, doubleness, racism and multiculturalism; like Indians they were

stereotyped culturally and politically and dominated in the nineteenth century. As a

methodology it gives voices to the representation, relation, culture, and to the persons

they were authorized to perform certain actions. These cultures and relations were
15

suppressed by British conventional colonial system. It is a concept to avoid

something made of two opposites; like east and west, colonizer and colonized,

inferior and superior, subjugated and dominion. Post is a prefix added to the word

colonialism become postcolonial; its mean a view after to the British colonial history

in India. In this view the modern writers and readers look critically to the British

colonial system. Colonialism is a practice in which one nation is subjugated culturally

and politically to the other nation. There are elements of colonialism in “A Passage

to India” that will be discussed later in the text.

16

CHAPTER 4

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Data Analysis

E.M Foster after coming back from India wrote novel, “A Passage to

India”. E.M Forster spent time both with Indians and British during his visit, and

prefered the company of Indians. He was troubled by the racial oppression and deep

cultural and religious misunderstandings that divided the Indian people and British

colonialists, or, as they are called in “A Passage to India” Anglo-Indians. English

were there in India to rule over them and to keep them uncivilized instead of

civilizing them. From nineteenth century India came into clutches of English. Adela

quested who came from England to India, was supposed to get married to the city

Magistrate Rony Heaslop. She was an adventurous girl and wanted to see India and

meet the real Indians. Her adventure to the Marabar caves is one of the most

important events of the novel; which gives new perspectives to the novel.

According to Edward Said, “Literature cannot be politically innocent”. The

novel “A Passage to India” is loaded with many modern elements. Colonialism from

postcolonial perspective is one of the most sticking features in this novel. The Muslim

Dr. Aziz went through certain colonial material during the course of novel that will be

discussed and analyzed.

Edward Said is the father of postcolonial theory. This theory is developed in his

critical book “Orientalism”. He constructed this theory, and this school of thought

emphasizes on British colonial rules and the imposing of their culture towards Indian

nation. Dr. Aziz and some British went through colonial tension, in which Dr. Aziz is
17

accused and then arrested without knowing the real incident. Actually, Aziz is

harassed by Adela. This was the effect of British colonial system in India. It is a

controversial storm between British and Indians relationship in which Indians are

inferior and British are superior. According to Edward said, “the relationship between

Occident and Orient is a relationship of power, of domination, of varying degrees of a

complex hegemony”. The British and Indians are two different nations. Their cultural

and religious ways are different. English were in India, called Anglo-Indians and they

were ruling. They had stereotyped the natives culturally and politically. Their relation

is difficult to exist and impossible, because one is superior and the other is inferior.

The British exercised their power and the Indians were subjugated to their law and

official system.

4.2 Elements of Colonialism, Cultural and Religious differences

In the very beginning of the novel Hamidullah, Mahmoud Ali and Dr. Aziz

sitting to dine and discussing the possibility of friendship with English on Indian

earth. Mahmoud Ali is firm on the point that their friendship is impossible with

English in India. Hamidullah who was educated from Oxford, he believes that

English are not as they are supposed. He had been in England and received a warm

welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Bannister. Hamidullah was on opinion that their

friendship is possible if both sides keep no interest in clash. Mahmoud Ali felt that

when the English came to India they were good at heart and sincere but within one

year they turn to rule over them and become superior. Aziz had hatred in his heart for

English at the very beginning. He attacked the conversation. “Why talk about the
18

English? Brrrr…! Why be either friends with the fellows or not friends? Let us shut

them out and be jolly” (Forster 1924, p. 32).

Dr Aziz was a steadfast; he wanted to kick them out from his native

states. He cannot tolerate others intervention in his country. At hospital he was not

happy with the Civil Surgeon, Major Callender on duty with him. He suggested them

a good decision to avoid further conversation about British superior class.

Mahmoud Ali went on some urgent work. Mahmoud Ali aparted,

Hamidullah took Aziz to his house to see his wife who was Aziz relative. Aziz sets to

dine with him. When Hamidullah’s wife came and interacted with Aziz. They started

discussion on personal matters, suddenly a call come to Aziz from Civil Surgeon. He

wanted him in few moments to come. This time he was insulted two times; when he

reached Civil Surgeon house, two white women were approaching from the home

while Aziz was in tension. When the ladies saw the Tonga they cried for, and jumped

to the Tonga. The ladies took the Tonga without thanking him and as well Aziz paid

for them the ticket. Secondly when the servant came out from the Civil Surgeon

house he said to Aziz. “Major Callender had driven away half an hour before.

‘Saying nothing?

He had a matter of fact said, ‘Damn Aziz’ words that the servant understood, but was

too polite to repeat” (Forster, 1924)

By these remarks of Major Callender Aziz felt embarrassed. This detested

Aziz more. The servant offered him house but Aziz refused to enter. The servant

brought pen and paper to the veranda. Aziz writes, “Dear sir, at your this command I

have hastened as a subordinate should- and then stopped” (Forster 1924). Aziz felt
19

inferior to him and he compared himself with a subjugated servant. Major Callender

mistreated him. He came fast but Major Callender had left no message. A great

difference is there between English colonialists and Indian natives. Dr. Aziz expects

respect from them but the English mistreat him with a lack of respect. Two English

ladies were taken to the club but the Tonga was not returned.

According to Advanced English Dictionary, attitude means, “the way that you think

and feel about sb/sth; the way that you behave towards sb/sth that shows how you

think and feel (volt 6.4). Attitude is the reflection of how people think, feel and

behave about somebody or something. From their attitude it can be guessed what type

of people English were. Attitude reflects human personality. From the English

attitude it shows that they are superior and haughty bureaucrats towards Aziz and the

whole India. The English attitude was not good towards Indian natives. They treated

native Aziz an unfair way. Sadly Aziz

turned the way from the Civil Surgeon house. Aziz started to walk pedestrianly,

because the Tonga was not there, again he felt shocked by English’s rude and

dishonest attitude. When he reached the Civil Station there was a Mosque. Aziz

entered to the Mosque for rest. He was tired from these disgusting situations. He was

a true Muslim, and could see solace in the Mosque. In the Mosque he felt a ghostly

fear; suddenly an English old woman appeared from behind the third pillar of the

Mosque. Aziz shocked and shouted at her. “Madam this is mosque, you have no right

here at all; you should have taken off your shoes; this is a holy place for Muslim”

(Foster, 1924). In the Mosque he met an old lady, Mrs. Moor. Aziz was a young

Muslim doctor at Chandrapore and a widower. Aziz misunderstood her for not being
20

taken off her shoes. There was Islam and Aziz could do anything for Islam, even

sacrifice for his religion. But later when he recognized her she was bare-foot. Aziz

felt a sorry state of affair. She was not like other English. She was good at heart. The

personality and love in Aziz attracted her and she realized that Aziz is a true Indian.

When they engaged they had something in common. Aziz was the father of three

children and his two wives but his wives had died, he mentioned this before Mrs.

Moor, she also took part in personal matter. She was also a widower. Her two

husbands had

died and she had two children. They become familiar but due to English official

system and two different races, kept them apart.

After a long conversation when she was coming down, asked Aziz to come

in to the club. Aziz said in a low tone, “Indians are not allowed into the Chandrapore

Club even as a guest,’ he said simply” (Forster, 1924). The natives were prevented to

enter into the Chandrapore Club. This was a racial problem. There was a racial

conflict of British with Indians. Racially English were thinking superior towards the

Indians. In India their status was higher than the Indians. The Indians were considered

men of lower status. Dr. Aziz and all Indian natives were banned to enter to the Club

without the formal consent of English. Aziz thoughts were common than other

Indians. He wanted to kick out all the English but cannot do anything against them.

He wanted to own his place which was occupied by them.

When Mrs. Moor comes back to Club, there was Adela Quested and

other English ladies. Adela wanted to see the real India and real Indians. Other

English ladies: Mrs. Turton and Mrs. Mcbride presented a false image of India before
21

her. Again this was a racial problem. The Indians were stereotyped. The English

ladies offered her some rich Indian landowners and governmental people, but she

refused and firmed what she had said, “I want to meet those whom you come across

socially _ as your friends”. Collector, “Well we don’t come across them socially; he

said, laughing, (Foster, 1924). They did not mix with Indians in social terms. They

kept them apart. Adela refused all, because she wanted to meet those Indian whom

they meet in general routine. Collector arranged the bridge party and promised Adela

to see every type of Indians. The conversation was over and all retired to their places.

At night Rony and Miss Moor had a conversation. Mrs. Moor mentioned an Indian

that she met him in the Mosque. Rony shocked towards his mother’s meeting with an

Indian. “What a mixed-up? Why hadn’t she indicated by the tone of her voice that she

was talking about an Indian?” (Foster, 1924) Rony again shocked at the remark of

Mrs. Moor when a Muslim Muhammadan shouted at her of putting on her shoes in

the Mosque. Mrs. Moor tried to make him understand. No difference is there if a

Christian asks a Muslim to take off your hat before entering to the Church. By this we

can see that the English attitude was not good. Rony adviced his mother not to be

mixed with Indian because they belong to a superior class

Collector arranged the bridge party in accordance with Adela’s wish to see the

real Indians. Hindus and Muslims were invited to participate in the party. Educated

men were against the English in India but the uneducated men did not matter their

presence. Rony declared,

“The educated Indians will be no good to us if there’s a row, it’s simply not worth

while conciliating them, that’s why they don’t matter” (Forster, 1924). The Indians
22

came to the party and they were happy to mix with Indians. For them it was the first

time to come across with them socially. Some of them were mutinous and some were

unaware of this English phenomenon. The Muslim ladies were in purdah, because it

was their culture, and according to Islam a women should be in purdah. Without

purdah, they forbidden in the society. They are not like English, there is a grest

difference between English and Indian culture. When [Link] saw these ladies, she

abruptly asked. “Do tell us kindly who these ladies are. You are superior to everyone

in India except one are two of the ranis, and they’re on equality. (Forster 1924). By

Mrs. Turton reply Mrs. Moor regretted. Those who can speak English and were the

daughters of rich landowners are treated equally but the poor women were mistreated

by English ladies. Different culture were mixed and created the problem of

misunderstanding between them. When the bridge party was over, fielding invited

Mrs. Moor and Adela Quested to tea party. At Adela and Mrs. Moor’s wish the

invitation is also given to native Dr. Aziz and a Brahman Hindu professor Narayan

Godbole. Aziz and fielding became friends, closer to each other, though Fielding is

Atheist. At Aziz house Fielding said to Syed Mohammed. “I don’t believe in God”

(Forster, 1924). There is a great difference between Muslim and English. The Muslim

keep faith in God but most English is atheists. However Aziz invited Mrs. Moor and

Adela to visit the Marabar caves. Aziz was in tension about them. He invited them to

the Marabar Caves instead of his house, because he was feeling shy of his small

shanty. The Marabar caves were in distant area from Chandrapore city. Rony assured

his mother that the Indians do no respect of English at any cost. At last he become
23

agree and give them permisson to visit the Caves and forced they do not leave the

lady alone with Indians.

Godbole and Mr. Fielding missed the train due to Godbole’s long puja. Dr.

Aziz, Mrs. Moor and Adela Quested went on to visit the Caves. There was only one

guide with them and the rest of the natives were forbidden in accordance with Adela’s

wish. When they entered to the first Cave, Mrs. Moor lost all her courage due the

echoes in her ears and ran out from the cave. She left Aziz and Adela alone in the

cave. Adela’s hand was in Aziz hand and she changed the subject of real India to

personal conversation. She asked Aziz a question about his marriage. “Have you one

wife or more than one” (Foster, 1924). This shocked Aziz very much and left her

alone in the Cave. Aziz said with himself. “Damn the English even at their best”

(Foster, 1924). He went out from the cave to balance his temper. Now Aziz is a

Muslim and in his religion men are allowed to get marriage four times. This was

looking a strange thing to the English girl. On this question Adela felt that she did

something wrong to him. After a while when he come back to her she was not there in

the cave. Aziz slapped the guide when he asked about Adela. He found the broken

glasses of Adela and put them in his pocket. He ran to Mrs. Moor and Fielding that

Adela was not there in the Cave, she went somewhere but he does not know. Later the

English accused him that he had followed Adela in the Caves. She was taken to

hospital by Mrs. Derek.

When the rest of the party returned Mr. Haq the inspector of city police

came in the way and stopped their train and said in a shrill voice. “Dr. Aziz it is my

highly painful duty to arrest you. One what charge do you arrest him. I am under
24

construction. I know nothing” (Foster, 1924). Mr. Haq wanted to arrest Aziz, but

Fielding asked him what he has done something wrong with you, but the inspector

was under the power of Government. Mr. Haq performed his duty well and arrested

Aziz with a charge of sexual assault. Miss Quested herself declared that Aziz

fallowed her in the Cave but only glasses were the evidence that left broken by Adela.

At the trial of Aziz Mrs. Moor sent back to England by her son Rony

Heaslop. She could testify that Aziz is innocent. She died in the way; it was the

conduct of her son. Fielding and Mrs. Moor were sympathetic towards Aziz. Fielding

Said to Collector. “Hardly at all But you see she’s under some hideous delusion, and

the wretched man is innocent” ( Forster, 1924 ). Fielding and Mrs. Moor were the

only two among English who got hold of Aziz. They professed their belief in Aziz

that he was innocent. Mrs. Moor absence became an issue in Aziz trial.

McBride the Deputy Superintendent of police was against Indians without

any reason. Now poor Aziz in his hands he will exercise his force towards him. Aziz

was in prison and he said to Aziz. “I have to detain you until you get free.” (Forster,

192) His temper grew more and assured Aziz that either they are your English friend

or natives will apply for you to set you free but I will put you again in prison.

There is also issue and misunderstanding between Hindus and Muslims.

Brahman Professor Narayan Godbole was less attracted to Aziz trial. Fielding put a

direct question on Godbole. “Is Aziz innocent or guilty” Godbole said, “That is for

the court to decide” (Forster, 1924). Hindu professor Godbole has nothing to do with

Aziz case. Than Aziz case he was interested in a school that was to be constructed in
25

his natives land. On Fielding’s direct question Godbole straightly pointed to the court

members that they will decide, whether he guilty or innocent.

Fielding tried many times to meet Adela but he was banned to meet her.

Then he wrote her a letter to make her understand that she has committed a mistake.

“Not at all, He only has the impertinence to suggest you have made a mistake”

(Foster, 1924). When she read the letter, she became confused and begins to weep

that what happened to her in the cave. She realized that she has done a mistake. She

said to Rony and weeping. “Rony, he is innocent; I made an awful mistake” (Foster,

1924). At this remarks of Adela Rony looked around the room, only two English

ladies were there. He abetted her not to say that he is innocent and Adela became

agree with Rony.

After few days the trial of Aziz held at the Indian Mr. Das’s court. All the

English and Indians were present in the court during the trial. The English were

posing like gods and the Indians were lesser and inferior to them. Mr. Das was judge

and Ronny was angry with him on Adela’s appearance before him in the court,

because he was an Indian. In Ronny’s mind they were ignored racially. When Adela

faced the Indians and then her eyes met with Aziz’s eyes, she onfused and thought of

her mistake that she has destroyed the whole career of Aziz. She realized that she was

hallucinated by the effect of echoes in her ears. The lawyer presented the broken

glasses in evidence but judge rejected the evidence of glasses. Then Mrs. McBride

looks at Adela Quested and said. “You went alone into one of those caves?

That is quite correct.

26

And the prisoner fallowed you” (Foster, 1924) Adela was silent for some time she

could not say anything. Aziz answered, “The prisoner fallowed you, didn’t he?”

(Forster, 1924) She shook the head but no one got the meaning of her sign language.

Only Fielding got it. Ronny forwarded and said to her. “What is that, what are you

saying? Speak up, please’. The Magistrate bent forward” (Foster, 1924). Adela

replied. “I am afraid I have made a mistake. What nature of mistake?’ Dr. Aziz never

fallowed me into the caves” (Forster, 1924).The Magistrate flapped down the papers

and then collected again. The Magistrate become angry with Adela and said to her in

a hoarse tone that the words I have taught you and you did not tell before the judge.

The English were not agreeing with these answers of Adela. Mr. Das withdrew the

case. Aziz was set free and the Indians went for the celebration. E.M Forster

portrayed two societies in the novel; the English society and the Indian society. The

novel is mainly concerned with the question, whether their friendship is possible or

not? That is Impossible because of British colonial system and in their colonial

system they were stereotyped in their own country.

4.3 Discussion:

The research is conducted through textual analysis of“A Passage to India”

written by E.M Forster. The novel is observed from postcolonial perspectives, using

postcolonial theory presented by Edward said. For this purpose articles, journals and

commentaries of different writers were studied too. The British power in India was

remarkable. The British had colonized the India and started exploitation. Through

different characters we found the elements of British colonialism in India. The novel
27

was read thoroughly and different quotes from the text were found satisfactory to

support the theory. By the British colonial system there was a clash of racism and

culture between them. Dr. Aziz was arrested due to Adela’s harassment and it seemed

actually the harassment of Aziz which later withdrewn by Adela.

28

Chapter Five

CONCLUSION

This paper is about the postcolonial reading of the text, “A Passage to India”

by E.M Forster. Though the novel can be read using many modern approaches, have

many interpretations but I have analyzed the novel from postcolonial perspectives,

using Edward Said’s model of postcolonial theory. Attention is given to the

relationship between Indians and British in terms of cultures and politics that come

across the certain colonial problems. To conclude, one can clearly find out reasons for

the representation and misrepresentation of colonizer and colonized in the text. The

presence and exploitation of British Raj in India found certain colonial symbols. E.M

Forster has presented the Indian natives sincere, impartial and simple. He has

presented them lesser and inferior to English. He finds out simplicity and love in

Indian society, but they were stereotyped by British, culturally and politically. The

Muslim natives know about the historical deeds of India but the Hindu lack this. The

Hindus were presented as cunning and selfish in personal matters, like Hindu

Narayan Godbole. Foster exposed that how the Indians were treated by British. The

Indians were competent in their profession like doctor Aziz and Amrit Rao. The

natives were fearful and not worthy to British. The indigenous women played no

significant role in the novel and their lives were confined to home and in purdah that

is their presentation. E.M Forster presented the Muslim natives brave, determined and

stubborn; the Hindus having lack these qualities. The British were presented

dominant, superior, cruel and offender towards Indians. They lack of respect even
29

that was for the English. Only Cyril Fielding and Mrs. Moor presented sympathetic

towards Indians and equal to Indians. But their relation was not possible due English

colonial and official system. The British and Indians adopted the ways of separation

at last
30

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