Perceptions on Asia A Study of Select Twentieth Century Malayalam Travel Writing

Abstract

This thesis attempts to probe how Asia was imagined and conceptualized in select twentieth century travel writing in Malayalam. Through a detailed analysis, the study also looks at how Asia was perceived by the Malayali gaze. This study attempts to fill serious lacunae in travel newlinewriting by studying intra-Asian mobility during twentieth century and how such mobility among Asian regions has helped the construct of Asia through Malayali imaginations in Malayalam travel writings. The primary texts chosen for this study are Bali Dweep (1958) by S.K. Pottekkat, Njangal Kanda Japan (1960) by Mrs. K.M. Mathew, Hajju Yatra (1972) by Haji.N. Marakkar, newlineHochiminte Naattil (1975) by T.J.S. George, Marunna China (1979) by V.K. Madhavankutty, Njangal Kanda Israel (1982) by Rebecca Joseph, Nepal Diary (1994) by Dr. Krishnan Pattiam. O and Malayali Kanda Manila (1995) by N. Nandakumar Moorkkath. These texts are selected to newlineprovide various Malayali representations of Asia during twentieth century based on three major purposes of travel: pilgrimage, occupation and wanderlust. Through a detailed textual analysis with suitable theorietical insights, the three Malayali gazes of the believer, the privileged and the traveller could be inferred. newline newline