The title "Karma" carries significant meaning in the novel of the same name by Khushwant Singh. The concept of karma is a fundamental principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it refers to the idea that every action has consequences, whether good or bad. In the novel, the concept of karma is explored through the lives of the characters, who are all struggling with the consequences of their actions and trying to come to terms with their pasts.
One of the main themes of the novel is the idea that every action, no matter how small or insignificant, has the potential to shape the course of a person's life. This is exemplified through the character of Lajwanti, who is struggling to come to terms with her past and the decisions she made that led to her present circumstances. Lajwanti is haunted by the guilt of having abandoned her child, and she spends much of the novel trying to atone for her actions and make amends.
Another theme of the novel is the idea that karma is not always immediately apparent, and that the consequences of our actions may not be immediately apparent. This is exemplified through the character of Banta Singh, who is a wealthy businessman who has always seemed to have good luck and fortune. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Banta Singh's good fortune is not the result of pure luck, but rather the consequences of actions he took in the past that he had long since forgotten.
In the end, the novel suggests that while we may not always be able to control the consequences of our actions, we do have the power to choose how we respond to them. This is exemplified through the character of Lajwanti, who ultimately decides to take responsibility for her actions and try to make amends for the harm she has caused.
In conclusion, the title "Karma" carries significant meaning in the novel by Khushwant Singh, as it explores the theme of the consequences of our actions and the power we have to shape the course of our lives through our choices and responses to those consequences.
