Indian Middle Class Values and Materialism in Vivek Shanbhag’s Novel Ghachar Ghochar : A Study

Abstract

With globalization, developing economies like India are facing increasing materialism. The Indian culture has been influenced by the materialistic way of life through western countries. The existence of a multiplicity of ethnicity in Indian culture could not avoid the effect of consumerism and the Western way of life has found its place in the country. Vivek Shanbhag’s Ghachar Ghochar is a tale that employs the material progress of a family to create a haunting story of greed. Shanbhag has a more personal tone while addressing social evils. The novel evaluates the psychological effects of capitalism, the darker and brighter side of the contemporary urban setup in India. Financial security and independence followed by disintegrated families, broken marriages and dysfunctional relationships are some the issues that the novel shares with us while being meticulous not to reveal too many details. The novel is a powerful indictment of the often negative impact of wealth especially one that is newly acquired and its repercussions in society.