Abstract
The novel under examination are Vikram Seth’s An Equal Music and Chitra Banerjee’s The Mistress of Spices, reflecting a myriad of cultural aspects and transnational elements. Vikram Seth's literary works, known for their diverse traditional forms and global settings. Vikram Seth's own experiences, including travels to China and various European nations, contribute to the rich tapestry of his literary journey. In An Equal Music (1999), which unfolds in England and transcends a specific homeland, Vikram Seth embraces a transnational identity. The narrative, centred around the world of Western classical music, features characters, Michael and Julia, without Indian origins. However, the cultural references and artistic pursuits deeply rooted in European traditions become evident as the characters traverse various global locations, such as London, Venice, and Vienna, highlighting the theme of transnationality.
On the other hand, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's narratives intricately navigate the complex experiences of transnational migration, transcending mere physical relocation. Her stories delve into the multifaceted connections between identity and place, emphasizing the transformative potential of narratives to articulate the challenges and triumphs of displacement. The focus extends beyond the physical act of migration, encompassing the translation of family traditions across borders, the formation of transnational families, the communication of cultural norms, the bolstering of self-esteem, and the redefinition of the concept of home, even in the face of experiences that border on homelessness. Within the California setting of her novels, particularly The Mistress of Spices (1997), Divakaruni brings to life the lives of Indian women navigating the complexities of migration to America. These narratives showcase the permeation of Indian culture across cultural, social, religious, and spiritual boundaries, exemplifying the transnational nature of the diasporic experience.