Jewel in the Crown

Jewel in the Crown

Introduction:
Paul Scott (1920-1978) was a British author and playwright, best known for his "Raj Quartet" series
of novels. He is celebrated for his literary contributions, particularly his portrayal of the end of the
British Raj in India. The Raj Quartet is considered his magnum opus and is highly regarded in the realm
of historical fiction.

The "Raj Quartet" consists of the following novels:

 "The Jewel in the Crown" (1966)

 "The Day of the Scorpion" (1968)
 "The Towers of Silence" (1971)
 "A Division of the Spoils" (1975)

The series explores the complex and often tumultuous relationships between the British colonial rulers
and the Indian population during the final years of British rule in India. It delves into themes of race,
power, politics, and the personal lives of the characters caught in the midst of a changing and
sometimes turbulent historical landscape.

The "Raj Quartet" was later adapted into a highly acclaimed television series called "The Jewel in the
Crown," which aired in the 1980s.

Paul Scott's work is notable for its nuanced characters, intricate storytelling, and its portrayal of the
social and political dynamics of the time. His writing continues to be celebrated for its historical and
literary significance in depicting the final days of British colonialism in India.

The Jewel in the Crown

The Jewel in the Crown is a historical novel by Paul Scott that is part of his Raj Quartet series. The novel
is set in India during the final years of the British Raj, or colonial rule, from 1942 to 1947. The novel
explores the history of India through the perspectives of different characters, such as Daphne
Manners, a young British woman who falls in love with Hari Kumar, an Indian man who was educated
in England; Ronald Merrick, a cruel and racist British police officer who persecutes Hari; and the Layton
family, who are involved in the military and political affairs of the Raj. The novel shows how the British
and Indian cultures clash and interact, and how the events of World War II and the Indian
independence movement affect their lives. The novel also reflects on the meaning and value of the Raj,
which was often called “the jewel in the crown” of the British Empire. The novel is written in various
forms, such as interviews, letters, diaries, and reports, to give a complex and multi-layered narrative.

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The novel has been praised for its realism, historical accuracy, and literary quality23. It has also been
adapted into a TV miniseries in 19842.

Summary:
Set in 1942, English author Paul Scott’s historical novel The Jewel in the Crown (1966) follows a young
Englishwoman who moves to India during the waning years of British rule. The first of Scott's four-
volume series, The Raj Quartet, The Jewel in the Crown was later adapted into a 1984 miniseries on
ITV. More recently, the New York Times cited the book in a 2017 article, "The Novels Explaining
Britain's Path from the Raj to Brexit."

Daphne Manners, a young woman living in London during World War II, describes herself as
"galumphing," as if to suggest that she is plain or unattractive. For a time, she works as an ambulance
driver during the German Blitz bombing campaign in 1940 and 1941, but a heart condition forces her to
abandon such stressful work at her doctor's orders. When German airstrikes kill both her parents and
her brother, she moves to British-ruled India to live with her closest living relative, her great-aunt Lady
Ethel Manners. Ethel lives in Rawalpindi in what is now the Punjab region of Pakistan. In order for
Daphne to meet more young people her age, Ethel sends her niece to the Mayapore region of West
Bengal, 130 kilometers north of Calcutta, to stay with Lady Chatterjee, a proud noblewoman.

During her stay, Daphne finds herself attracted to Hari Kumar, a journalist at the Mayapore Gazette.
Though born in India, Hari was brought up in England where he attended Chillingborough, the same
exclusive school where Daphne's brother went. But when Hari's father, a successful businessman, goes
bankrupt and commits suicide, Hari is forced to return to India. There, he finds himself an outcast in
both Indian and English societies in a town that, like much of India at this time, is segregated along
racial lines, Daphne's relationship with Hari is extremely controversial. For her part, Daphne i s
disgusted by the racist attitudes held by most English people toward Indians.

One night, Daphne and Hari meet in a secluded park known as the Bibighar Gardens. There, they make
love for the first time but are interrupted by a group of angry Indian men. The men beat and tie up
Hari, and rape Daphne multiple times. Daphne refuses to report the rape, knowing that the local police
superintendent, Ronald Merrick, will assume Hari is among the men responsible. She swears Hari to
secrecy in an effort to protect him. Merrick is extremely bigoted toward Indians, partly because, as a
man born into a lower-class family, he is viewed as inferior in England. In India, however, he relishes
the fact that he sits atop the social hierarchy by virtue of his birthplace and skin color.

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Despite Daphne and Hari's silence about the rape, Merrick hears about it and arrests Hari along with
some of the men responsible. To Merrick, Hari represents everything he hates: an Indian educated in a
top English school. Merrick's animosity only grows when he meets Daphne and becomes infatuated
with her. Merrick's subsequent interrogation of Hari devolves into a sadistic game involving sexual
humiliation.

Daphne, meanwhile, does everything in her power to free Hari, even if that means letting the real
rapists go free. First, she claims that she was blindfolded and therefore cannot identify her assailants.
When that doesn't satisfy Merrick, she says that she could feel that the attackers' penises were
circumcised, indicating to her that they were Muslim peasants, not young Hindus like the men in
custody. Because Daphne swore him to secrecy over the attack, Hari refuses to speak in his own
defense, despite the fact that Daphne's reason for the secrecy oath was Hari's protection. Eventually,
the case is dropped when Daphne threatens to testify that Englishmen raped her. This leads to Daphne
being ostracized by the English community in Mayapore and later, as news of the case spreads
throughout the country, the entirety of British India.

Forced to drop the rape charges, Merrick instead charges Hari with an obscure wartime la w prohibiting
anti-imperial revolutionary activities. Hari is sent to prison, and Daphne becomes pregnant. She hopes
the child is Hari's, but it could belong to any of the men who raped her. She returns to Ethel's home
and goes into labor. Tragically, she dies during childbirth, a consequence of the same heart condition a
doctor diagnosed her with in England. To Ethel's eyes, the baby Pavarti bears a striking physical
resemblance to Hari.

Major themes
Paul Scott's novel The Jewel in the Crown is a complex and multi-layered work that explores a variety of
themes, including:

i. Racism
Racism is a major theme in Paul Scott's novel The Jewel in the Crown. The novel is set in the twilight
years of British rule in India, and it depicts the racism and prejudice that were commonplace among
many British people during this period.

Scott shows how racism was embedded in all aspects of British colonial rule. British people often
viewed Indians as inferior, and they treated them with contempt and disdain. This racism was evident

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in the way that British people interacted with Indians in their daily lives, as well as in the way that the
British government administered India.

One of the most striking examples of racism in the novel is the rape of an Indian woman by British
soldiers. This crime is never fully investigated or prosecuted, and the perpetrators are able to escape
punishment. This shows how the British justice system was stacked against Indians, and how racism
allowed British people to commit crimes against Indians with impunity.

Scott also shows how racism had a corrosive effect on British s ociety in India. British people who lived
in India were often isolated from Indians, and they developed a deep sense of superiority. This sense of
superiority led to arrogance and cruelty, and it made it difficult for British people to understand and
empathize with Indians.

The novel also explores the impact of racism on Indians. Scott shows how racism made Indians feel
humiliated and dehumanized. It also led to anger and resentment, which contributed to the rise of
Indian nationalism.

In conclusion, racism is a major theme in The Jewel in the Crown. Scott shows how racism was
embedded in all aspects of British colonial rule, and how it had a corrosive effect on both British and
Indian society.

ii. Classism
Classism is another major theme in Paul Scott's novel The Jewel in the Crown. The novel is set in a
rigidly stratified society, with the British at the top and the Indians at the bottom. This class system is
based on race, ethnicity, and wealth, and it is deeply ingrained in the minds of both the British and the
Indians.

The novel shows how classism affected all aspects of life in India during the colonial period. British
people were given preferential treatment in all areas of life, from education and employment to
healthcare and housing. Indians, on the other hand, were often denied basic rights and opportunities.

One of the most striking examples of classism in the novel is the way that the British treated their
Indian servants. Servants were often treated with contempt and disdain. They were paid low wages,
and they were forced to work long hours in difficult conditions.

Classism also had a corrosive effect on British society in India. British people who lived in India were
often isolated from Indians, and they developed a deep sense of superiority. This sense of superiority
led to arrogance and cruelty, and it made it difficult for British people to understand and empathize
with Indians.

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 Jewel in the Crown

The novel also explores the impact of classism on Indians. Scott shows how classism made Indians feel
inferior and dehumanized. It also led to anger and resentment, which contributed to the rise of Indian
nationalism.

In conclusion, classism is a major theme in The Jewel in the Crown. Scott shows how classism was
embedded in all aspects of British colonial rule, and how it had a corrosive effect on both British and
Indian society.

Here are some additional thoughts on classism in the novel:

 The novel shows how classism can lead to violence and oppression. For example, the British
soldiers who rape the Indian woman in the novel are motivated by a sense of racial and class
superiority.

 The novel also shows how classism can divide people and make it difficult for them to
understand and empathize with each other. For example, the British characters in the novel
often have difficulty understanding the motivations and perspectives of the Indian characters.

 The novel also shows how classism can create a sense of hopelessness and despair. For
example, the Indian characters in the novel often feel that they are trapped in a system that is
stacked against them.

The Jewel in the Crown is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers insights into a complex
and important period of history. It is a novel that continues to be relevant today, as it explores themes
of race, racism, colonialism, and classism.

iii. Prejudice:
Prejudice is a major theme in Paul Scott's novel The Jewel in the Crown. Prejudice is defined as a
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or experience. It can be based on a variety of factors,
such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status.

The novel depicts the prejudice that existed between British and Indians during the colonial period.
British people often viewed Indians as inferior, and they treated them with contempt and disdain. This
prejudice was evident in the way that British people interacted with Indians in their daily lives, as well
as in the way that the British government administered India.

One of the most striking examples of prejudice in the novel is the rape of an Indian woman by British
soldiers. The soldiers rape the woman because they view her as inferior and disposable. They also
believe that they will not be punished for their crime because they are British.

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 Jewel in the Crown

Scott also shows how prejudice affected the British characters in the novel. British people who lived in
India were often isolated from Indians, and they developed a deep sense of superiority. This sense of
superiority led to arrogance and cruelty, and it made it difficult for British people to understand and
empathize with Indians.

The novel also explores the impact of prejudice on Indians. Scott shows how prejudice made Indians
feel humiliated and dehumanized. It also led to anger and resentment, which contributed to the rise of
Indian nationalism.

In conclusion, prejudice is a major theme in The Jewel in the Crown. Scott shows how prejudice was
embedded in all aspects of British colonial rule, and how it had a corrosive effect on both British and
Indian society.

Here are some additional thoughts on prejudice in the novel:

 The novel shows how prejudice can lead to violence and oppression. For example, the British
soldiers who rape the Indian woman in the novel are motivated by a sense of racial prejudice.
 The novel also shows how prejudice can divide people and make it difficult for them to understand
and empathize with each other. For example, the British characters in the novel often have
difficulty understanding the motivations and perspectives of the Indian characters.
 The novel also shows how prejudice can create a sense of hopelessness and despair. For example,
the Indian characters in the novel often feel that they are trapped in a system that is stacked
against them.

The Jewel in the Crown is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers insights into a complex
and important period of history. It is a novel that continues to be relevant today, as it explores themes
of race, racism, colonialism, and prejudice.

iv. Individuality vs. community:

The novel also explores the tension between individual desires and the demands of community. This is
particularly evident in the character of Daphne Manners, who is torn between her love for the Indian
journalist Hari Kumar and her loyalty to the British community.

v. Justice and injustice:

The novel also explores the themes of justice and injustice. This is evident in the main plot of the novel,
which involves the rape of an Indian woman by British soldiers. Scott shows how the British justice
system was stacked against Indians, and how the perpetrators of the crime were able to escape
punishment.

vi. The power of love:

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Jewel in the Crown

Despite the darkness and despair of the novel, Scott also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of the
love between Daphne and Hari. Their love transcends the boundaries of race and class, and it suggests
that possibility of a different future for India.

In a nutshell:

In addition to these main themes, the novel also explores a number of other topics , such as the nature
of power, the role of the military, and the complex legacy of colonialism.

The Jewel in the Crown is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers insights into a complex
and important period of history. It is a novel that continues to be relevant today, as it explores themes
of race, racism, colonialism, and justice.

Bran Maintains that the “Raj novels are among the greatest prose fiction of this and
nineteenth century” known for its “many fine realistic novels”. Do you agree?
Raj novels are novels set in British India, also known as the Raj, which lasted from 1858 to 1947. These
novels often explore the complex relationships between the British and Indians during this period of
colonial rule. They also shed light on the social, political, and cultural changes that took place in India
during this time.

Raj novels are important because they offer a unique perspective on a significant period in Indian
history. They also provide valuable insights into the human cost of colonialism. Raj novels can help us
to understand the complex legacy of British rule in India, and the impact it has had on Indian society
and culture.

Some of the most famous Raj novels include:

 A Passage to India by E.M. Forster: This novel explores the relationship between British and Indian
people in India during the colonial period. It is considered a classic of modernist literature.
 The Raj Quartet by Paul Scott: This series of four novels is set in India during World War II and
explores themes such as race, identity, and power.
 Kim by Rudyard Kipling: This novel follows the adventures of an orphan boy named Kim who grows
up in India during the late 19th century. It is considered a classic of English literature.
 Ruth Prawer Jhabvala: The Heat and the Dust
 Arundhati Roy: The God of Small Things

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These novels have been praised for their literary merit, their historical accuracy, and their ability to
evoke the atmosphere and culture of British India. They have also been important in shaping our
understanding of the colonial period in India.

Raj novels are important for a number of reasons:

 They provide a unique and valuable perspective on a significant period in Indian history.
 They shed light on the social, political, and cultural changes that took place in India during the
British Raj.
 They offer insights into the complex relationships between the British and Indians during this
period of colonial rule.
 They explore the human cost of colonialism and its impact on Indian society and culture.
 They can help us to understand the complex legacy of British rule in India.

Raj novels are an important part of Indian literature, and they continue to be relevant and engaging
today.

The "Raj Quartet"

The "Raj Quartet" is a series of four novels written by British author Paul Scott. These novels are set in
the final years of British colonial rule in India, often referred to as the British Raj. The series is
renowned for its depth, historical accuracy, and its exploration of complex social, political, and cultural
themes. The four novels in the "Raj Quartet" are:

i. "The Jewel in the Crown" (1966): This novel introduces readers to the fictional Indian town of
Mayapore and a diverse cast of characters, both British and Indian. The story revolves a round
the events leading to a rape and the subsequent trial of an Indian doctor accused of the crime.
It explores themes of racism, cultural clash, and the decay of the British Empire.

ii. "The Day of the Scorpion" (1968): The second novel delves deeper into the characters' lives
and the political unrest in India, particularly during the years leading up to World War II. The
narrative continues to follow the repercussions of the events from the first book.

iii. "The Towers of Silence" (1971): In this novel, the story unfolds against the backdrop of World
War II. It explores the impact of the war on the characters and their relationships. The title
alludes to the Zoroastrian practice of disposing of the dead, and the metaphorical significance
becomes apparent within the narrative.

iv. "A Division of the Spoils" (1975): The final novel in the series brings the story to its conclusion,
depicting the period just before and after India's independence and the subsequent partition

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into India and Pakistan. It reflects the social and political upheaval of the time and the
consequences of the partition.

The "Raj Quartet" is celebrated for its detailed character development, intricate storytelling, and its
ability to capture the historical and cultural context of the end of the British Raj in India. It delves into
themes of power, identity, prejudice, and the human cost of colonialism. The series has been highly
regarded both for its literary merits and for its historical significance, offering readers a profound and
multifaceted portrayal of a pivotal period in history. The novels have also been adapted into a
successful television series called "The Jewel in the Crown," which further popularized the story.

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Title of the novel:

The phrase "jewel in the crown" is used to describe the most valuable or prized possession of a person
or group. It is often used to describe a person, place, or thing that is considered to be the best or most
important.

The phrase is thought to have originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe the most
valuable jewel in a crown. In the 17th century, the phrase began to be used more generally to describe
anything that was considered to be of great value or importance.

The phrase "Jewel in the Crown" has multiple meanings and interpretations depending on the context
in which it is used. It is most commonly associated with the British Empire and its colonial presence in
India. Here are a few interpretations of the phrase:

1. Symbol of Prestige and Importance: In the context of the British Empire, "Jewel in the Crown"
refers to India as the most prestigious and important colony within the empire. India was seen as
the crown jewel of the British Empire due to its vast resources , economic potential, and strategic
significance. It symbolized the highest point of imperial power and dominance.

2. Metaphor for Imperialism: The phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for imperialism and
colonialism. It reflects the idea that colonial powers, like the British in India, considered the regions
they controlled as valuable possessions, much like a valuable jewel in a monarch's crown. This
highlights the sense of ownership and control that colonial rulers had over their colonies.

3. Economic and Resource Significance: "Jewel in the Crown" can emphasize the economic
importance of the colony to the colonizing power. India, with its abundant resources and potential
for economic exploitation, represented a vital source of wealth and prosperity for the British
Empire.

4. Cultural and Historical Reference: The phrase is also used to describe India's rich cultural and
historical heritage, which was highly prized by the British and considered a significant part of India's
appeal to the empire. It underscores the cultural significance of India within the colonial context.

5. Resistance and Struggle: In a more metaphorical sense, "Jewel in the Crown" can also be
associated with the struggle and resistance against colonial rule. While the British regarded India as
a prized possession, it was also a place where various forms of resistance and movements for
independence emerged.

Overall, "Jewel in the Crown" is a complex phrase that can symbolize the interplay of prestige, power,
exploitation, cultural richness, and resistance within the context of colonialism, particularly in the case
of India under British rule.

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