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A Passage to India by E.

M Forster
1924

Plot Summary

This novel takes place in the fictional Indian town of Chandrapore during British colonial rule,
under which Anglo-Indians (British persons living in India) held almost all administrative positions of
power and governed over the native populace.
Doctor Aziz, a native Indian Muslim, befriends several Anglo-Indians, including Mrs. Moore,
Adela, and Mr. Fielding. He invites them to a picnic excursion in the Marabar Caves. While exploring
these caves, Adela experiences something she believes at the time to be an attack or sexual assault. She
flees from the scene, meets a friend who drives her back to Chandrapore, and reports the incident to the
(white Anglo-Indian) police. Meanwhile, Aziz notes her absence but does not realize what has happened.
The section you will be reading for class on Monday begins with the expedition having just
returned from the Marabar Caves. Upon hearing Adelas report that Aziz attempted to assault her, the
Anglo-Indian community explodes with racially-toned outrage, condemning Aziz and by proxy all Indian
men. The Anglo-Indian officials in power arrest Aziz and launch an investigation into the crime.

Historical Context: British Colonial Rule in India

East India Company, 1757-1858
At the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company (a private trading company)
won military and administrative control of India.
The East India Company and its control of India were crucial to expanding and
strengthening the British Empire and its global network of trade and resources.
The Sepoy Uprising/Great Mutiny, 1857
A massive revolt of Indian soldiers against their British officers
Involved widespread (alleged) reports of Indian men raping unprotected white women
Deeply shook the confidence of the British administration
British Raj, 1858-1947
After the Sepoy Uprising, the British Crown assumed direct control of India
Under the British Raj government, British officials ruled India and attempted to reform
India to meet British cultural and political norms.
Amritsar Massacre, 1919
Thousands of Indians in Punjab protested against the Rowlatt Bill (which permitted political
prisoners to be tried without jury or appeal)
During a riot, a white missionary woman was beaten
o General Dyer issued his infamous crawling order requiring all Indians to crawl on all
fours through the street where she was attacked
General Dyer issued martial law and ordered troops to fire on protesters, killing hundreds
o In later justifications for the violent suppression of Indian protests, British officials
cited the need to protect white women
Ilbert Bill, 1883
A proposed amendment that would allow Indian judges to preside over court cases involving
British citizens
Aroused fierce opposition because white women would have to come before an Indian judge
to plead cases of rape
Passed and became law in 1884
Indian Independence, 1948
Partition into two nations, India and Pakistan

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