Social and Cultural Transformation in Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger

Abstract

Indian English literature has played an important role in portraying the changing social and cultural realities of India. Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger is a remarkable novel that reflects the transformation of Indian society in the age of globalization. The novel presents the life of Balram Halwai, a young man from a poor village who rises to become a successful entrepreneur in the city. Through Balram's journey, Adiga highlights the challenges faced by the lower classes, including poverty, inequality, corruption, and social discrimination. The novel also depicts the shift from traditional values and social structures to a modern, competitive, and economically driven society. As India undergoes rapid development, individuals are increasingly influenced by new aspirations, opportunities, and lifestyles. Adiga effectively portrays the contrast between rural and urban life and examines how these changes affect human relationships, identity, and moral values. This paper explores the themes of social mobility, class conflict, and cultural transformation in The White Tiger. It argues that the novel serves as a realistic representation of contemporary India and its evolving social and cultural landscape. Through its critical portrayal of society, The White Tiger contributes significantly to the study of social and cultural transformation in Indian English literature.