Question

Justify the title of Mulk Raj Anand’s Coolie​

Answer 1

Answer:

Like the title of his previous novel Untouchable, "coolie" is a derogatory word. It refers to manual laborers and slaves particularly from India and, in the twentieth century, it has also become a racist insult. There are Indian coolies both in India itself and in many other different nations. While their physical strength and cheap labor is much needed, their presence is often looked down on. Thus, the title of the novel introduces the theme of exploitation and lack of recognition for jobs that sustain the capitalist system. Contrary to the general perception of the coolie as a nondescript and anonymous entity, the title also makes clear that this figure is the protagonist of the novel and as such endowed of a definite identity and feelings.

Answer 2

The term "Coolie" has a negative connotation. It refers to manual labourers and slaves, mainly from India, and has become a racial epithet in the twentieth century. Indian coolies can be found in India and a variety of other countries. While their physical strength and low-cost labour are greatly needed, their presence is frequently derided. As a result, the novel's title establishes the topic of exploitation and lack of respect for jobs that keep the capitalist system running. In contrast to popular perceptions of the coolie as a faceless, anonymous figure, the title makes it obvious that this character is the novel's protagonist, with a distinct identity and feelings.

Who is Mulk Raj Anand?

• Mulk Raj Anand was an English-language Indian author known for portraying the life of the lower castes in traditional Indian society.
• He was one of the first India-based English writers to attain an international readership, alongside R. K. Narayan, Ahmad Ali, and Raja Rao, as one of the pioneers of Indo-Anglian fiction.
• Anand is known for his novels and short stories, which have become classic works of modern Indian English literature because of their keen insight into the lives of the downtrodden and insightful assessments of poverty, exploitation, and disaster.
• Mulk Raj Anand's Coolie is a masterwork that depicts life as it is. The title is a good fit for the story, as it is about a porter lad who travels from his town to the city and works hard in several locations.

Therefore, the term 'Coolie' alone reveals how the British and Indians have a symbiotic relationship based on exploitation and dominance. Anand, a lifelong patriot and fervent supporter of freedom and Gandhi's teachings, realised the significance of using the term as the title of his work.

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