THE WARMTH OF INDIAN HOSPITALITY

I have recently been witness to such amazing feats of hospitality, such as special preparation of food and arrangements, while reading E.M Forster's novel, A Passage to India, which depicts India during the British colonial era. Amongst themes of cultural awareness, British and Indian relations, respect, and tolerance, Forster weaves aspects of Indian culture and daily life throughout the novel. Forster provides many examples of Indian hospitality through his main characters, Dr. Aziz, a Muslim doctor from Chandrapore, and the English Cyril Fielding, Mrs. Moore, and Adela Quested. Fielding hosts a Bridge Party in the honor of Mrs. Moore and Miss Quested when they arrive in India. During the party, Mrs. Moore, curious about Indian culture and in search of the "real India," wonders if another guest, Mrs. Bhattacharya, would mind her visiting some day. When asked what day is convenient, Mrs. Bhattacharya, a proud Indian woman, quickly retorts, " All days are convenient." When asked what time, she retorts, " All hours," and when it is revealed that her family has plans to travel to Calcutta the day of the prospective visit, Mrs. Bhattacharya's husband, "says something swiftly to his wife in Bengali," and explains that they will still see Mrs. Moore on the day as planned ( Forster 44). Changing plans or rescheduling events at the announcement of a visit from a guest is not unusual. This scene illustrates the idea of company before family and plans. Vishal Jani, a proud Indian teenager, agrees with the priorities of Mr. and Mrs. Bhattacharya: "The guest is the first priority: prior plans become secondary and inconveniencing your family is never an issue" ( Jani Interview). A Passage to India shows Indian hospitality in gestures of generosity. In one scene, Dr. Aziz arrives at Mr. Fielding's home in Chandrapore to find Fielding dressing in an adjoining room. Appearing in unfinished attire, Fielding exclaims, "Blast! I've stamped on my last collar stud." Dr. Aziz gestures to his collar, yet Fielding will not take Aziz's collar stud unless it is a spare. Dr.Aziz assures him that it is a spare, yet beyond Fielding's view, Dr.Aziz, a true Indian gentlemen, begins to, "wretch off his collar and pull out of his shirt the back stud, a gold stud, which was part of a set that his brother-in-law had bought him from Europe" (Forster 68). He carefully, "replaced his collar and prayed that it would not spring up at the back during tea" (Forster 68). As simple a gesture as loaning a collar stud is an example of the extent of generosity that Indian people will go through for others. Such spontaneity is characteristic of Indian hospitality. During a scene in which Aziz takes Mrs. Moore and Adela to the Marabar caves, Aziz takes pleasure in knowing that he was, "an obscure young man who had been allowed to show courtesy to visitors from another country, which is what all Indians long to do"( Forster 157). With lavish accommodations, elephant rides, and splendid fare, Aziz assures that, " hospitality had been achieved" (Forster 157). For Aziz, and according to my research, for most Indians, hospitality has been achieved when the host's, "honor was involved in their [the guests'] happiness" ( Forster 157). Forster stresses the point that hospitality is beneficial not only to the guest, but to the host as well. A guest in India may receive the pleasure of being respected and cared for, but a true host, when being hospitable, finds, "that it is more blessed to give than to receive," for when helping a guest and more importantly a friend, "giving and receiving become one" ( Forster157). In addition, A Passage to India, shows that for Indians, hospitality is not only a beneficial ideal but also a priority and even a dream. Aziz explains to Miss Quested and Mrs. Moore that, " one of the dreams of my life is accomplished in having you both here as my guests" (Forster 158). Even the poorest of Indians with, " no more elephants than one, none sometimes" and, "only a little food," would "have it arranged nicely" and "never cease to show hospitality" (Forster 158). Above all else, Forster touches on the idea of fulfilling one's duty by being hospitable. Although by the end of Aziz's venture to the Marabar caves, guests were coming and going as they pleased, "Aziz was unassailable. The wings that uplifted him did not falter, because he was a Mogul emperor who had done his duty." Aziz's duty as a proper host and Indian was to, "give his guests as good a time as he could…" (Forster 176). By bringing great pleasure, security, and comfort to his guests, Dr. Aziz fulfills his duty as an Indian and a human being. Accordingly, I believe Forster uses Indian hospitality, in the novel A Passage to India, as a depiction of the purest form of respect. Throughout the novel, Forster shows that Fielding, an Englishman, has been changed in his stay in India. Fielding had been witness to the great extent of Aziz's Indian hospitality and some of this passion for helping others has influenced him. In a scene in A Passage to India, Adela Quested faces enormous obstacles after repealing her charge of sexual assault against Aziz in court, a crime he never committed. As she leaves the courtroom, a sea of prideful Indians seems to engulf her. As Fielding sees that Miss Quested is in danger from the moving crowd, he reaches out his hand, telling her, "Come this way with me- quick- I'll put you into my carriage" (Forster 258).Fielding then excuses the state of his carriage since he, " doesn't know whether this suits you ( Miss Quested)" but, explains that at least " you're [Miss Quested] safe" (Forster 259).Even though, " he wants to be rejoicing with Aziz," over his acquittal, Fielding changes his plans to make sure Miss Quested is protected. He has witnessed the warmth of the Indian people and attempts to show this warmth to Adela. In addition to my recent readings, I have been fortunate enough to befriend a few people of Indian descent in my daily life. I have indeed been witness to the overflowing generosity and warmth of Indian hospitality. Indian people are extremely willing to provide comfort to others, as seen in their treatment of guests. Beyond an outstretched hand and warm words, home-cooked meals, wonderful lodging, and interesting conversation are always offered to visitors. They feel honored if they share their time, especially meals, with guests. Indian people always put their guests before themselves and offer the best of what they have. From my research, my reading of Forster's A Passage to India, and my interaction with Indian people, I truly believe that the warmth of Indian hospitality is a direct reflection of the warmth of Indian people.