Migration And The Indian Diaspora: Exploring Chitra Divakaruni’s Visions In Mistress Of Spices

Abstract

The complex realities of post-migration are reflected in the significant relevance of diaspora studies in contemporary global discourse. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Mistress of Spices, embodies these relationships and offers a diverse array of characters that reflect the immigrant experience. Geeta's grandfather is unable to adapt and embrace the American culture, Haorun is confronted with job insecurity, and Jagjit is a victim of racial discrimination and prejudice. Divakaruni depicts a spectrum of immigrant experiences–economic hardship, cultural retention, and othering–through these three pivotal characters. She addresses the true nature of the lives of immigrants by expressing these themes without glorifying America. In light of these circumstances, the aim of this study is to analyze the problem that immigrants frequently encounter in their host countries. Consequently, this paper emphasizes three critical obstacles by employing postcolonial studies and diaspora theories in Divakaruni's evocative narratives. Additionally, the analytical section, which deliberately integrates Haroun, Jagjit, and Geeta's grandfather as three predominant visions in her novel, elucidates the inevitable challenges that arise as pervasive challenges.