Exploring Imagery in Keki N. Daruwalla's Works

Keki N. Daruwalla, a prominent figure in Indian literature, has etched his name in the annals of contemporary poetry and fiction through his profound exploration of imagery. His works are a tapestry woven with diverse types of imagery, each thread contributing to the rich texture of his narratives. In this essay, we will delve into the various forms of imagery found in Daruwalla's writings, analyzing their significance and impact on the reader.

1. Visual Imagery:

Daruwalla's mastery of visual imagery is evident in his ability to conjure vivid landscapes and scenes that resonate with readers long after the pages have been turned. In his poem "Crossing the River," he paints a haunting picture of a river tainted with the remnants of war:

"Brown, as the undulating road.

Brown, the gathering monsoon clouds.

Brown, the vast Gangetic plain;

And brown the vast river,

A sudsy brown, made up of dead leaves

And human corpses."

Through color, texture, and detail, Daruwalla evokes the stark reality of conflict, forcing readers to confront the horrors of human suffering.

Similarly, in his short stories such as "The Kitemaker" and "The Prospect of Flowers," Daruwalla's visual imagery transports readers to the bustling streets of India, the desolate landscapes of war-torn regions, and the intricate interiors of his characters' lives. Through meticulous description and attention to detail, he creates a sense of place that is both vivid and palpable.

2. Symbolic Imagery:

Symbolism infuses Daruwalla's works with layers of meaning and metaphor, adding depth and complexity to his narratives. In "The Bloodaxe," the titular weapon becomes a potent symbol of violence and oppression:

"When a bloodaxe moves

It makes no creaks in the bone,

No clink of bone on bone.

It’s a silent dancer."

Here, the bloodaxe represents the ruthless exercise of power, its silence echoing the silence of the oppressed. Throughout his poetry, Daruwalla employs symbols drawn from mythology, history, and everyday life to explore themes of power, corruption, and resistance.

3. Sensory Imagery:

Daruwalla's writing engages the senses, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the world he creates. In "Postcard from Kashmir," he evokes the sensory experience of the region with poetic precision:

"The snows are melting, sir;

The snows are melting.

You watch them disappear, sir,

And watch the fields bloom.

You are the sahib of summer."

Through sensory imagery, Daruwalla captures the ephemeral beauty of Kashmir while also hinting at the underlying tensions and conflicts that simmer beneath its surface.

4. Natural Imagery:

Nature serves as a prominent motif in Daruwalla's poetry, providing both inspiration and metaphorical resonance. In "Hawk Roosting," he adopts the perspective of a hawk to explore themes of power and domination:

"I kill where I please because it is all mine.

There is no sophistry in my body:

My manners are tearing off heads."

Here, natural imagery is used to reflect on the human condition, as well as to comment on the relationship between humanity and the environment. Daruwalla's deep connection to the natural world is evident throughout his work, as he draws on images of flora and fauna to evoke themes of life, death, and regeneration.

5. Historical and Mythical Imagery:

Daruwalla's fascination with history and mythology infuses his work with rich imagery drawn from India's cultural and literary heritage. In "The Maldive Shark," he draws on the legend of the Maldive shark to explore themes of colonialism and cultural assimilation:

"About the shark, phlegmatical one,

Pale sot of the Maldive sea,

The sleek little pilot-fish, azure and slim,

How alert in attendance be."

Through historical and mythical imagery, Daruwalla sheds light on the complexities of colonial encounters, as well as the resilience of indigenous cultures.

In conclusion, Keki N. Daruwalla's works are a testament to the power of imagery in literature. From visual and symbolic to sensory, natural, historical, and mythical, his poetry and prose are imbued with a kaleidoscope of images that not only evoke the world he portrays but also invite readers to engage with its deeper layers of meaning. Through his masterful use of imagery, Daruwalla challenges us to see the world anew, to question our assumptions, and to confront the complexities of the human experience.