Hunger, Unemployment and Struggle for Survival in Kamala Markandaya’s A Handful of Rice

Dr. Anuradha

Hunger, Unemployment and Struggle for Survival in Kamala Markandaya’s A Handful of Rice

Author(s)	Dr. Anuradha
Country	India
Abstract	Hunger, Unemployment and Struggle for Survival are the major problems faced by people living in Indian cities. It is hunger that often compels people to commit crimes, and hunger is a direct result of. In the novel A Handful of Rice, hunger and unemployment and Struggle for Survival are central themes explored through the lives of the characters, with particular focus on the dynamics within families and society in both rural and urban area of India. A Handful of Rice powerfully depicts the struggles of the poor, centred on the themes of hunger, unemployment, and the struggle for survival that run through the narrative. These challenges shape the lives of the protagonist and other characters, reflecting the broader difficulties faced by disadvantaged communities in Indian society. In the novel, hunger is more than a physical need: it motivates the characters' choices, actions, and moral compromises. The protagonist, leaving his village for the city in search of relief from poverty and starvation, quickly discovers that urban life offers no escape from hardship. Unemployment emerges as a root cause of hunger and social inequality; without stable employment, the characters remain trapped in poverty, unable to meet basic needs or provide for their families. The novel captures the harsh realities of Indian urban life, where a lack of opportunity can lead to despair, crime, and disillusionment. The very title, “A Handful of Rice,” symbolizes not only subsistence, but also hope and the bare minimum. It reflects how even a small portion of food becomes a precious commodity in the characters' lives, signifying the broader theme of scarcity in the face of poverty.
Keywords	Poverty, Hunger, Unemployment, Inequality and Conflict.
Published In	Volume 16, Issue 2, July-December 2025
Published On	2025-10-19
Cite This	Hunger, Unemployment and Struggle for Survival in Kamala Markandaya’s A Handful of Rice - Dr. Anuradha - IJAIDR Volume 16, Issue 2, July-December 2025.

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Hunger, Unemployment and Struggle for Survival in Kamala Markandaya’s A Handful of Rice

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