Nectar In A Sieve Imperialism

Driven by capitalist greed, nationalism, religious pride, and egotistical reasons, nations in Europe turned to imperialism in order to widen their influence on the world. Imperialism is defined as the extension of a country’s power by dominating a weaker country’s economy, politics, or society. Nectar in a Sieve, by Kamala Markandaya, follows the life of Rukmani, a poor indian woman who faces the challenges imperialism has brought to her rural town. Kenny is Rukmani’s old friend, a white British doctor working in India who aids her during times of need. Although the two have known each other for a lifetime, in no way does Kenny see Rukmani as an equal. Their relationship parallels the relationship between Britain and India from a social, political,

and ideological standpoint.
Deeply racist values cause Kenny to look down upon Rukmani, as demonstrated by his diction and attitude.

Social Darwinism was a widespread idea among Europeans and white people in general. This principle applies the idea of “survival of the fittest” in a social setting, where the stronger group is justified in overtaking the weaker group. Social Darwinism helped pave the way for imperialism, as Europeans did not feel guilty or inhumane for colonizing other lands. In fact, imperialism boosted their ego and made them feel superior to other races, causing them to belittle, exploit, enslave, and kill mercilessly. The belief is reflected in Kenny whenever he interacts with Rukmani. “‘Your views are so limited it is impossible to explain to you.’ ‘Limited, yes,’ I agreed. ‘Yet not wholly without understanding. Our ways are not your ways.’”(106). In this scenario, Rukmani has a discussion with Kenny regarding who is responsible for Kenny’s family leaving him. She speaks to him in a cautious manner and treats him with the utmost respect as to not upset him. On the other hand, Kenny’s manner is just the opposite. He is brusque, condescending, and often calls Rukmani a fool. The power dynamic is unequal between the two, in which Rukmani is seen as inferior by both Kenny and Rukmani. This parallels the relationship between India and Britain, as Britain is much more powerful than India so India must be careful as to how they handle relations with them. However, Rukmani’s attitude is very different in this encounter. She talks to Kenny as if he was her equal, which is demonstrated by the insight of her words as well as her unflinching tone. She defends herself and other Indians by standing up to Kenny’s generalization of them as helpless, ignorant simpletons. For the first time, Kenny realizes that the life and culture of people in India is very different from his own, and that he still has more to learn from them. Rukmani and Kenny are symbols for India and Britain. Britain

often looks down upon India as an undeveloped country that constantly needs their aid in order to function. The colony lacks the intellectual capacity to process complicated affairs and cannot properly govern themselves. In reality, although India is not technologically and economically advanced as Britain, they have their own form of technology, economy, and government that works for them. In the end, Rukmani and Kenny’s relationship return to the same lopsided state as before, just like how Britain continues to imperialize and enforce European culture in India.
Britain’s attitude towards its political relations with India is reflected by how Kenny aloof Kenny is towards Rukmani. Rukmani pays Kenny a friendly visit when he returns after a long leave, but he does not return the friendliness. “Accustomed though I was to him, the brusque words, his short manner dashed the welcome from my lips”(104). Kenny’s cold, distant attitude comes off as arrogant and rude. This implies that he feels entitled to the warm welcome and respect that Rukmani gives and takes it for granted without respecting her back. Furthermore, this type of entitlement extends to how the British is callous and ignorant towards the problems and demands of India. Relations with the British were often one sided for India. For example, India’s plea for independence is completely ignored by the British government because they deem the issue too unimportant to acknowledge. It was not until after Gandhi's tireless protests that they decide to work out a compromise.
Britain imperialism also changes the traditional Indian culture instilling British ideas in Rukmani, and by extension all Indians. She explains the power of Britain in India during a heated conversation with her son. “White men have power”(52). This simple yet powerful statement is spoken as if it was a fact that cannot be argued with. The idea of racial superiority is not only taught to Europeans, but also to non-Europeans through the effects of imperialism. Since the ones with power are white men, like Kenny, it is implied that Indians have no longer have power. After imperialization, all Indians are put into a large, poverty-filled working class, which decimated the traditional Indian social hierarchy. Similarly, Britain had the most power over India in the 19th century, especially during the British Raj. Though they were a foreign power, they controlled much of the country’s economy, politics, and cultural expressions. Britain had a monopoly over the salt and textile industry, thereby forcing Indians to purchase goods from British companies. They banned the practice of Sati, a tradition in which a new widow commits suicide after the death of her husband. Because of its enormous power, Britain has a lot of influence over the lives of Indians, much like how Kenny has a lot of influence over the life of Rukmani.
Rukmani and Kenny’s relationship reflect the imperialistic power that Britain has over India. Whether it is social dynamics, political influence, or enforcing culture, Britain has the upper hand in all of these aspects. Although the British Empire is no longer present today, its legacy continues on in America. Right now, this very country is imperializing the world in much of the same manner by declaring its ways superior and forcing others to adapt to it. Democracy, free speech, and the American dream are all ideas America is attempting to implement into the lives of everyone around the world. In addition, many people from foreign countries view and interact with Americans the same way Rukmani interacts with Kenny. They see Americans as powerful entities with knowledge and experience worth far more than their own. However unbelievable that may sound, it is undeniably true, because these people are only told of America’s success. It is time to put an end to these myths. It is time to stop being Kenny.