Anandamath, Bankim Chandra Chatterji
Is Ananamath a novel? If so, what are its narrative features? How is it organized? What is added by each of the four sections?
How does its plot differ or resemble that of other novels, either by Chatterji or other writers?
When was Anandamath published? In what period is it set, and what war/uprising does it portray? What do you make of the fact that the introduction describes this as a war between Hindus and Muslims, but the text alludes to the British occupiers? (a feature of translation; text intended as an allegory and designed not to offend the British?)
What roles are assigned to women in the text? What seems to be the ideal for women, and who best represents this ideal? (Kalyani) How does she show her devotion to her husband and daughter?
What other women appear in the narrative, and are they all equally devoted to their spouses or partners? How do the men respond in turn?
What do you make of the prominence accorded within the story to a woman warrior—one who initially rejects conventional women’s roles and cross-dresses?
What form of religion appears in the narrative? How is it accessed?
If India is a multi-religious country, what is the effect of presenting Hindu-related observances? (seems to leave out Muslims, who would be central to the idea of a unified India)
What significance is accorded to dreams?
What do you make of the importance attached to celibacy, even in the presence of one’s loved partner? Can you think of other social groups that demand celibacy?
What do you make of the fact that a narrative that emphasizes loyalty to a military cause places so much emphasis on the love between partners and on celibacy?
Why is marriage emphasized if the partners are to remain celibate?
Of what cruel actions are the British occupying forces accused? (51-52) Would these charges have been historically accurate? (yes, heavy taxes enacted, Bengal divided, causing ethnic strife, and officials demanded profits even when crops had failed, sending the profits to the UK)
How are “the Children” of India organized? What values do they exhibit? (complete loyalty to their leader and one another)
What function does the singing of “Bande Mantaram” play throughout the narrative?
How are military conflicts represented? How realistic are these portrayals? (seem to avoid actual deaths for the “Children” of India, ends in semi-final victory whereas revolts had been crushed)
What function is served by the theme of resurrection? By the fact that those who were assumed dead are revived?