Authors: Meenakshi Kumari
Abstract: This paper explores the concepts of Dharma and Karma in two important Indian novels, Godaan by Premchand and The Guide by R. K. Narayan. These concepts are rooted in Indian philosophical text and epic, are examined in the context of modern society and literature. The study focuses on how the characters in these novels deal with moral responsibility, duty, and the consequences of their actions. In Godaan, Dharma is shown as a social duty shaped by poverty, class, and societal expectations, where the protagonist struggles to balance moral values with survival. In contrast, The Guide presents Dharma as a more personal and evolving idea, focuses on the inner transformation of the protagonist through his actions and experiences. The paper also discusses how Karma operates differently in both texts, where we see both social realities and individual choices. By comparing these two novels, the study shows that Dharma and Karma are not fixed concepts but change according to time, society, and individual situations. The paper concludes that modern Indian literature reinterprets these traditional ideas to explore moral conflicts and human experiences in a changing world.
