Analysis of In Custody

Introduction

In Custody, published in 1984, is one of Anita Desai’s most acclaimed novels, earning her a second Booker Prize shortlisting. The novel is a poignant and often humorous exploration of the decline of Urdu poetry, the clash between idealism and reality, and the struggles of an individual trapped between his aspirations and his mundane existence. Set in a small Indian town, it delves into themes of cultural preservation, artistic integrity, and the bittersweet nature of pursuing a dream.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Deven Sharma, a timid and uninspired Hindi lecturer at a small college in Mirpore. Deven is a passionate admirer of Urdu poetry, a dying art form in his eyes, and particularly reveres Nur Shahjahanabadi, the greatest living Urdu poet. His mundane life is suddenly disrupted when his ambitious and somewhat manipulative friend, Murad, who runs an Urdu literary magazine, offers him the opportunity to interview Nur for his publication.

Deven, despite his initial reluctance and the financial strain it would place on his family, is drawn by the allure of meeting his idol. He travels to Delhi, where he finds Nur not as the majestic, revered figure he imagined, but as a bloated, alcoholic, and surrounded by sycophants and two demanding wives. The interview proves to be a chaotic and frustrating experience, far from the intellectual exchange Deven had hoped for.

Despite the disillusionment, Deven feels a profound responsibility to preserve Nur’s legacy. He becomes entangled in Nur’s chaotic life, attempting to record his poetry, manage his affairs, and even deal with his wives. He invests his meager savings, borrows money, and sacrifices his family life in this increasingly futile endeavor. The novel portrays Deven’s gradual realization that he is not just interviewing Nur, but has effectively taken Nur “in custody”—both literally and figuratively—becoming burdened by the poet’s life and legacy.

The story culminates with Deven, financially ruined and emotionally exhausted, returning to Mirpore. He is left with a collection of Nur’s unorganized poems and the daunting task of preserving them. Despite the personal cost, there is a subtle sense of purpose in his new, self-imposed responsibility, suggesting that true artistic preservation often comes with immense personal sacrifice.

Major Characters

Deven Sharma: The protagonist. A timid, uninspired Hindi lecturer with a deep, secret passion for Urdu poetry. He is an idealist who is constantly overwhelmed by reality. His journey is one of disillusionment, sacrifice, and a reluctant acceptance of a burdensome but meaningful task.
Nur Shahjahanabadi: The revered Urdu poet. He is a complex figure—a genius whose talent is now overshadowed by his physical decline, his alcoholism, and the chaotic demands of his life. He represents the fading glory of a cultural tradition.
Murad: Deven’s friend. He is opportunistic and manipulative, always looking for ways to profit from others. He acts as the catalyst for Deven’s entanglement with Nur.

Major Themes

Cultural Preservation and Decline: The central theme is the struggle to preserve a dying cultural tradition (Urdu poetry) in the face of modernity and neglect. Nur embodies the decline, while Deven represents the desperate attempt to save it.
Idealism vs. Reality: The novel starkly contrasts Deven’s idealized vision of Nur and Urdu poetry with the messy, often sordid, reality he encounters. It explores the disillusionment that comes when dreams collide with harsh truths.
The Burden of Art and Legacy: The novel suggests that artistic genius and its preservation can be a heavy burden, not just for the artist but also for those who seek to uphold their legacy. Deven literally takes Nur’s legacy “in custody.”
Alienation and Confinement: Deven is alienated from his family and his profession. He feels confined by his circumstances, and ironically, he ends up confining Nur, and in turn, is confined by Nur’s legacy.
The Artist and Society: The novel explores the precarious position of the artist in a society that may no longer value their art, and the sacrifices required to maintain artistic integrity.

Literary Style

Psychological Depth: Desai delves deeply into Deven’s inner world, his anxieties, his hopes, and his disillusionment, making his emotional journey palpable.
Irony and Humor: The novel is infused with a subtle, often dark, humor that arises from the absurd situations Deven finds himself in and the gap between his expectations and reality.
Evocative Language: Desai’s prose is rich and evocative, particularly in her descriptions of the fading beauty of Urdu poetry and the chaotic atmosphere of Delhi.
Symbolism: The concept of “custody” is a central symbol, representing not just physical confinement but also the burden of responsibility and the act of preserving a cultural heritage.

Critical Reception and Legacy

In Custody is highly regarded for its poignant portrayal of cultural decline, its insightful character studies, and its unique blend of humor and pathos. Its Booker Prize shortlisting brought it significant international attention. The novel remains a powerful and relevant work, exploring the universal themes of artistic integrity, the challenges of cultural preservation, and the personal cost of pursuing a dream.