A new work of fiction by Alan Gemmell emphasises on the consequences of colonisation, by picturing India’s reign over England
Alan Gemmell. PIC COURTESY/Wikimedia Commons
Alan Gemmell imagines a scenario of reverse colonisation in his debut novel, When Britain is India’s 30th State (Bloomsbury India). It is 2027, post-Brexit, England is facing a devastating economic crisis. The nation cannot meet its international financial debts; the Pound is experiencing international pressure; the Richardson administration has failed. Interestingly, India has more than a hold on the nation, and is taking it under its wing as its 30th state. The monarch of Britain has been reduced to the position of the first Governor. Indian Prime Minister Usha Sachdev has been declared the most powerful person in India, “maybe in the world one day”, as a character exclaims. Amidst this, Bradford’s Karan Puri ascends to the position of the first minister (formerly known as the Prime Minister of Great Britain).
There are several talking points that Gemmell’s book offers to the readers. An interesting event is the restitution of artifacts and artworks from the British Museum to the countries where they belonged. The book reminds Britain of its history as a colonising nation. Additionally, Gemmell’s creation of a female character like Usha Sachdev to take on the role of the Indian PM is a fascinating choice. Since former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India has not seen a woman get elected for the role. It opens the possibility of imagining the country’s leadership under a woman in a male-dominated domain. She has initial plans of appointing more female and young candidates for New India.
However, Gemmell’s point isn’t that. Noting the consequential violence of colonisation, or “integration” as they call it, Gemmell’s intention is to point out that the language and idea of colonisation, no matter who carries it out, will always remain masculine and destructive. The city is on fire; the police and military forces have taken brutal measures; protestors emerge from every corner.
Gemmell’s characters make the story. Arun, a Mumbai-based citizen and the new resident commissioner, is coming to terms with his new role under the Indian government while questioning the Prime Minister’s approach. He meets Oliver, the gay chancellor of the first minister, and something sparks between them. Meanwhile, Karan Puri finds himself at the receiving end of orders from his manipulative father-in-law Sunil Grover and the Prime Minister. If Gemmell’s book leaves us with reflections on colonisation, it also leaves us with questions to ask about the process of reparation.
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