Plot Summary of “Two Lady Rams” by Mulk Raj Anand

Introduction: “Two Lady Rams” by Mulk Raj Anand is a satirical story set in colonial India, revolving around Lalla Jhinda Ram, an ordinary shopkeeper who navigates the challenges posed by his two wives and the colonial regime.

Characters:

• Lalla Jhinda Ram: The protagonist, a shopkeeper who receives a knighthood.
• Sukhi: Jhinda Ram’s elder wife, who brought a significant dowry but is childless.
• Shakuntala: Jhinda Ram’s younger wife, married for companionship and hope of an heir.

Plot Overview:

1. Polygamous Household: Lalla Jhinda Ram lives with his two wives, Sukhi and Shakuntala. Sukhi, his elder wife, fails to bear children but provides financial stability through her substantial dowry. To ensure his lineage and find companionship, Jhinda marries Shakuntala, which ignites jealousy and competition between the two women.

2. Colonial Honor: The British colonial regime awards Jhinda Ram a knighthood, elevating his social status. This honor includes an invitation to a prestigious Garden Party at the Governor’s residence, addressed to “Sir Jhinda Ram and Lady Ram.” The invitation specifies only one “Lady Ram,” leading to a conflict over which wife should attend.

3. Rising Tension: Excited about the honor, Jhinda Ram initially decides to take Shakuntala to the event. Sukhi learns of this plan and becomes furious, feeling humiliated and sidelined. Her anger leads to a heated altercation, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere in the household.

4. Confrontation: Unable to bear Sukhi’s rage, Jhinda tries to calm her down but fails. In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, he drags Sukhi by her hair to her part of the house. Despite the chaotic confrontation, both wives dress in their finest saris, refusing to let the conflict ruin their day.

5. The Garden Party: Jhinda Ram, along with both wives, heads to the Garden Party at the Governor’s residence. Their arrival with “Two Lady Rams” instead of one surprises and amuses the attendees. The Governor and his wife host the event, which includes a ceremony to bestow honors on distinguished guests.

6. The Ceremony: During the ceremony, Jhinda Ram is conferred with the title “Star of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire.” Despite the unusual situation of bringing both wives, the event proceeds smoothly. The presence of both “Lady Rams” becomes a talking point but does not disrupt the ceremony.

7. Resolution: The story concludes with Jhinda Ram successfully navigating the tricky situation. He manages to appease both wives while enjoying the prestige of his new title. From that day forward, he is known as Sir Jhinda Ram, accompanied by his two Lady Rams.

Themes:

1. Colonial Exploitation: The story highlights how the British colonial regime manipulates native elites by bestowing honors like knighthood, which serve to maintain control and exploitation.

2. Gender and Polygamy: Anand critiques the patriarchal society and the practice of polygamy, showcasing the emotional turmoil and rivalry it creates among women.

3. Mimicry: The theme of mimicry is evident as Jhinda Ram adopts British customs and seeks validation through colonial honors, highlighting the cultural impact of colonial rule.

4. Satire: Through humor and satire, Anand exposes the superficiality of colonial ceremonies and the hollow nature of honors conferred by the colonial administration.

Conclusion: “Two Lady Rams” is a satirical portrayal of colonial India’s societal norms and the complexities of domestic life under British rule. Through the story of Jhinda Ram and his two wives, Mulk Raj Anand critiques the exploitation, gender dynamics, and mimicry prevalent in colonial society. The narrative combines humor with poignant social commentary, offering a nuanced perspective on the era’s challenges.

Analysis of “Two Lady Rams” by Mulk Raj Anand

Introduction: “Two Lady Rams” by Mulk Raj Anand is a satirical tale that delves into the complexities of colonial India, highlighting the intersection of personal ambitions, societal norms, and colonial exploitation. Through the character of Lalla Jhinda Ram and his domestic conflicts, Anand critiques both the British colonial regime and the patriarchal structures within Indian society.

Colonial Exploitation: Anand portrays the British colonial government as manipulative, using honors like knighthood to control and exploit the native elites. Jhinda Ram’s knighthood is a strategic move by the colonial administration to ensure the loyalty of affluent Indians. The knighthood is a superficial honor that elevates Jhinda Ram’s status but serves the colonial rulers’ interests. This reflects the broader strategy of the British Empire, which relied on local collaborators to maintain its dominance.

Satire and Irony: The story is rich in satire and irony, highlighting the absurdity of the colonial honors system. The Garden Party, a grand ceremony to confer titles, is depicted as a spectacle designed to impress and control the native elites. The confusion over which wife should be addressed as “Lady Ram” underscores the hollowness of the title. The humor in the situation also exposes the artificial nature of colonial distinctions and the vanity they engender.

Gender and Polygamy: Anand critiques the patriarchal society and the practice of polygamy through the characters of Sukhi and Shakuntala. Sukhi, the elder wife, is sidelined because she cannot bear children, highlighting the gender bias and the societal pressure on women to produce heirs. Shakuntala, the younger wife, represents romance and the hope for an heir but also brings jealousy and rivalry into the household. The conflict between the two wives over who should attend the Garden Party reflects the inherent tensions in a polygamous household.

Mimicry and Identity: The theme of mimicry is central to the story, as Jhinda Ram strives to emulate the British colonizers. His desire to be seen as equal to the British is evident in his excitement over the knighthood and his efforts to maintain a lifestyle that mirrors the colonial rulers. Anand uses Jhinda Ram’s character to illustrate Homi K. Bhabha’s concept of mimicry, where the colonized attempt to imitate the colonizer, resulting in an identity that is “almost the same, but not quite.” This mimicry highlights the cultural impact of colonialism, where native elites adopt foreign customs and values at the expense of their own identity.

Class and Social Status: Jhinda Ram’s rise in social status through the knighthood reflects the fluidity of class boundaries in colonial India. The British used social distinctions to their advantage, creating a class of loyalists among the native population. Jhinda Ram’s acceptance of the knighthood demonstrates his complicity in the colonial system, as he seeks validation and prestige from the very regime that exploits him. The story also touches on the tension between the rich native class and the common people, who remain unaware of the corruption and duplicity of their leaders.

Conclusion: “Two Lady Rams” by Mulk Raj Anand is a nuanced critique of colonial and patriarchal structures in India. Through humor and satire, Anand exposes the superficiality of colonial honors and the complexities of domestic life under British rule. The story highlights the exploitation by the colonial regime, the gender dynamics within Indian society, and the mimicry of colonial customs by native elites. Anand’s portrayal of Jhinda Ram and his two wives offers a poignant commentary on the intersection of personal ambitions and societal norms in colonial India.

The story remains relevant as it sheds light on how power dynamics, both colonial and patriarchal, shape individual identities and social relations. Anand’s skillful use of satire and irony makes “Two Lady Rams” a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that critiques the superficial and exploitative nature of colonial honors and the inherent tensions within a polygamous household.