THE PROBLEMATICS OF THE IDENTITY IN MANJU JAIDKA’S: SCANDAL POINT

The aim of this paper is to analyze how Manju Jaidka in her novel Scandal Point has dealt with this theme of identity crisis or loss of identity. The term identity is used in the fields of sociology, psychology, philosophy and literary criticism. Yet, it is hard to define it precisely. Identity implies a sense of being conscious about ones self. It is a concept which can be understood by ones identifications with significant others. His parents, his friends, his race, his religion, his country form this significant other. An identity is formed by the beliefs, attitudes and values of the place to which one belongs. When anyone tries to adopt new customs and culture which were alien to him earlier, then the crisis begins and restlessness sets in. Scandal Point is a historical novel laced with entertainment. It can be referred to a historitainment. Maharaja Rajinder Singh alias Rajen falls in love with an English girl who is none other than viceroys daughter Betty. They meet in the ideal setting of Shimla hills and elope. The place becomes the landmark Scandal Point. The paper explores the broken identities of various characters. Jaidka delves into the minds of the characters and gives voice to their feelings and experiences. As we approach the climax there is the final dissolution of personalities of various characters. Jaidka has artistically peeled layer upon layer of this intricate problem of identity.