Colonial Mimicry and the Irony of Identity - A Study of Karma by Khushwant Singh by Jai Prakash Acharya
Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: Colonial Mimicry and the Irony of Identity - A Study of Karma by Khushwant Singh by Jai Prakash Acharya This paper provides a comprehensive critical analysis of Khushwant Singh’s seminal short story, Karma, through a post-colonial lens. By examining the stark dichotomy between Sir Mohan Lal—a "Mimic Man" suffering from profound cultural homelessness—and his wife, Lady Lal, the study explores themes of identity, colonial mimicry, and the caustic reality of the British Raj. The narrative is analysed as a poignant critique of the "colonial hangover" that continues to influence the Indian psyche. Sir Mohan Lal’s meticulous erasure of his roots and his subsequent humiliation at the hands of British soldiers serve as a literal and metaphorical manifestation of his karma, proving that affectation is no shield against systemic prejudice. Furthermore, this study bridges the historical context of the story with contemporary Indian perspectives, critiquing the modern tendency to prioritise foreign interests and global validation over indigenous authenticity. The paper concludes that true progress lies in recognising one's heritage rather than "aping" Western standards.
Author: Acharya, Jai Prakash
Institution: University of Delhi
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7130949738
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