"The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Professions in 'An Astrologer's Day'"

 "The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Professions in 'An Astrologer's Day'"

✷ Personal Info :-

Name : Rahul Desai 

Roll no. : 22

Semester : 3

Paper no : 201

Paper Name : Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence

Assignment Topic :  "The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Professions in 'An Astrologer's Day'"

Submitted To : Smt. S.B. Gardi, Department of English (Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University)

Email ID : rahuldesai477@gmail.com

✷ Introduction :-

'An Astrologer's Day' is a very interesting short story about astrologer's life and some kind of consequences happening in the life. In this short story R.K. Narayan also include the essence of past events which suddenly coming to the present. This short story 'An Astrologer's Day' is penned by R.K. Narayan and this short story published in 1947 into the short story collection. This short story drives the major themes like fate vs. free will, assumption, irony, guilt and redemption, and many more. 

"He had not in the least intended to be an astrologer when he began life; and he knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew of what was going to happen to himself next minute. He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers."

~ 'An Astrologer's Day', R.K. Narayan 

"An Astrologer's Day" by R. K. Narayan is a story about a man who runs away from home after imagining he's committed murder and pretends to be an astrologer. The story takes place in a busy marketplace. In this short story, the astrologer's tools of the trade include cowrie shells, obscure charts, a notebook, sacred ash, and a turban. 

✷ About R.K. Narayan :-

R.K. Narayan is one of the most eminent Indian authors of the twentieth century. Born in 1906, Narayan is awarded by National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, India's chief literary honour. R.K. Narayan was one of the finest Indian authors of his generation writing in English. His first novel, 'Swami and Friends' (1935), is an episodic narrative recounting the adventures of a group of schoolboys. That book and much of Narayan’s later works are set in the fictitious South Indian town of Malgudi.

✷ Urbanization in the Story :-

Urbanisation is discreetly conveyed in R.K. Narayan's An Astrologer's Day through the busy and chaotic marketplace where the astrologer establishes his practice. The narrative takes place in the made-up town of Malgudi, which is impacted by the increasing urbanisation trend despite having a strong sense of heritage. The urban environment is depicted as a meeting place for diverse individuals from different backgrounds who are looking for fast fixes to their issues.

The bustle and anonymity of city life are reflected in the marketplace, where the astrologer a guy with little formal education makes a living by preying on the doubts and anxieties of the populace. In this setting, urbanisation compels traditional figures like the astrologer to modify their ways in response to the pressures of urban living, fusing ancient traditions with novel prospects.

Narayan frequently depicts rural areas as being simple, rooted in tradition, and fostering community. The slower pace of life and customs are integral parts of rural life. Characters in rural areas typically have stronger ties to the land and to traditional ways of living, emphasising kinship, religion, and regional traditions. The way the characters find it difficult to adjust to the changes brought about by urbanisation demonstrates the contrast between country and urban life. There is sometimes a sense of loss and nostalgia associated with the traditional, rural way of life being perceived as being threatened by the invading influences of the city.

✷ The Astrologer's Profession :-

Spiritual Guide :-

Astrology and religion are closely related in many regions of India. Astrologers are frequently regarded as go-betweens between the divine and the human, offering advice based on historical writings and astronomical movements. They are consulted on a range of spiritual issues, such as the best times (muhurat) for rituals, ceremonies, and life events like religious offerings, marriages, and births.

Advisor for Life Decisions :-

Astrologers have long provided guidance for individuals making significant life decisions. The astrologer's forecasts and counsel are frequently sought after, whether it is for financial decisions, career path selection, or assessing a potential spouse's compatibility. Their advice is particularly valued in rural communities where traditional beliefs have a significant impact on day-to-day living.

Cultural Significance :-

Astrology has long played a significant role in Indian society. Since planetary configurations are thought to determine fate and destiny, astrologers play a crucial role in shaping culture. This societal importance is mirrored in writing, customs, and even casual discussions, where astrological allusions are frequent.

Significance in Literature :-

The astrologer frequently represents the meeting point of fate and free will in literature. For instance, the astrologer plays a crucial part in forming the story in R.K. Narayan's "An Astrologer's Day," symbolising both the potential and constraints of astrology's ability to affect people's lives.

Because of the impersonal and transactional character of metropolitan life, an astrologer's practice in a busy city becomes more about survival and business than it does about providing true spiritual guidance. As seen when the astrologer meets a man from his past a turn that emphasises how urbanisation may entwine past and present the urban context also delivers anonymity and chance encounters.

✷ Shift from Rural to Urban :-

The astrologer's practice is profoundly changed in multiple ways by his relocation from a rural to an urban area. An astrologer may have been seen as a revered person in a rural setting, providing spiritual direction and ancient wisdom. But in An Astrologer's Day's metropolitan environment, he plays a more pragmatic even opportunistic professional meeting the urgent requirements of a transient and diverse urban audience.

The shifts in the clientele are noticeable. His clients in the city are strangers from all walks of life who are more motivated by curiosity or desperation than by reverence; their faces are no longer recognisable faces. His skills are in greater demand but at a less personal level as urban people look not to deep spiritual insights but to quick solutions or guarantees. As a result, his forecasts start to sound less genuine and more generic in order to meet the high standards of a cynical and pressed audience. This transition is indicative of larger shifts brought about by urbanisation, as traditional roles are frequently reinterpreted to accommodate the impersonal, fast-paced demands of city living.

✷ Adaptation to Urban Life :-

His mode of functioning is one of the major concessions he makes. While his prophecies in the countryside may have been based on folk wisdom and sincere faith, the astrologer in the city is more of a showman. He uses his clients' psychology, paying attention to their behaviours and outward looks, to customise his forecasts so that they seem plausible and accurate. This change suggests a moral lapse on his part; he starts to care more about doing tasks fast and effectively, sometimes at the expense of being genuine. He is forced to put survival over the integrity of his traditional vocation by the fast-paced, competitive urban environment, illustrating how urbanisation can change and frequently dilute traditional professions.

✷ Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity :-

Because of their historical training, astrologers frequently encounter difficulties in today's metropolitan environment. Their traditional ways of doing things might not mesh well with the fast-paced, materialistic vibe of cities. They have overcome these obstacles by specialising, embracing technology, and fusing conventional wisdom with modern sensibilities. Navigating the urban landscape as an astrologer requires a careful balancing act. Even while their customs might not appear appropriate in the fast-paced, materialistic city, they frequently manage to adapt and prosper. While some focus on topics related to urban living, others use contemporary technology in their work.

✷ Symbolism of the Setting :-

The narrative also demonstrates the astrologer's perseverance and flexibility. He keeps practicing his art in spite of the difficulties he encounters, taking comfort in the few clients who still come to him for advice. This implies that there is a need for spiritual connection and ancient wisdom notwithstanding modernisation. The metropolitan backdrop of "An Astrologer's Day" represents the more significant shifts occurring in Indian culture, especially with regard to customary roles and occupations. The city is a symbol of development and modernity, but it also draws attention to the difficulties experienced by individuals who want to uphold traditional beliefs and customs. The astrologer's tale serves as a poignant reminder of the value of tradition and flexibility in a world that is changing quickly.

✷ Impact on Other Characters :-

The cynical onlooker, who writes off the astrologer's assertions and believes him to be a scammer, represents the logical and pragmatic mindset that permeates cities. His encounter with the astrologer brings to light the conflict between conventional wisdom and contemporary scepticism. 

✷ Narayan’s Commentary on Urbanization :-

The astrologer's declining clientele and the onlookers' doubts underscore how conventional values and beliefs are eroding in the urban setting. Narayan contends that losing touch with spiritual and cultural traditions might result from pursuing financial gain and reasoned thought processes. The astrologer's lonely life in the busy metropolis illustrates how social isolation and alienation may occur in urban settings. 

The narrative suggests that it might be challenging to sustain deep connections and a sense of belonging in the anonymity and fast-paced urban environment. Notwithstanding the obstacles encountered, the astrologer persists in honing his trade, exhibiting a fortitude and versatility that permits him to endure in the metropolitan milieu. The astrologer, as portrayed by Narayan, offers hope that people can adapt to the changes brought on by urbanisation while retaining their individuality.

✷ Conclusion :-

The narrative emphasises the difficulties people encounter when attempting to maintain their cultural heritage in a setting that is changing quickly. The astrologer is clearly persistent and adaptable, but his struggle to make ends meet highlights the challenges faced by people in traditional professions. The decline of traditional professions in the face of urbanization is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. While it is important to embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by modernity, it is equally important to preserve and promote cultural heritage and ensure that all individuals have access to economic opportunities.

✷ References :-

Chaudhuri, Rosinka. "Urbanization and Cultural Transition in the Works of R.K. Narayan. vol. 45, no. 3, 2010, pp. 78-90.

"R.K. Narayan," "Urbanization," and "Traditional Professions."

“Narayan urbanization astrologer”

Thank you 😊....