56 pages • 1 hour read
Victory City
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Background
Authorial Context: Salman Rushdie and The Satanic Verses Controversy
Salman Rushdie, born on June 19, 1947, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, is a renowned British-Indian author known for his literary talents and the controversy surrounding his novel The Satanic Verses. Rushdie’s upbringing in Bombay was influenced by a diverse array of cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds, which later became prominent themes in his work. Rushdie published his debut novel, Grimus, in 1975, blending elements of mythology and fantasy. However, his breakthrough came in 1981 with Midnight’s Children, a groundbreaking work that earned him the Booker Prize and catapulted him to international literary fame. This novel, known for its use of magical realism, intertwines India’s political history with the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on the country’s independence.
The Satanic Verses, published in 1988, marked a turning point in Rushdie’s life. The novel sparked widespread controversy and outrage among some Muslim communities for its perceived irreverence toward Islam. The book’s portrayal of religious figures led to accusations of blasphemy and triggered a fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, calling for Rushdie’s assassination. Forced into hiding for nearly a decade due to threats to his life, Rushdie became a symbol of the conflict between free speech and religious sensitivity.
Despite the challenges posed by the fatwa, Rushdie continued to write prolifically. His subsequent works, including The Moor’s Last Sigh (1995), The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999), and Fury (2001), showcased his versatility in tackling various genres and themes, from historical fiction to contemporary issues, and further solidified his reputation as a literary maestro. Novels such as The Enchantress of Florence (2008) and Shame (1983) continued to explore the history of the Indian subcontinent through the lens of magical realism. In 2019, Rushdie released Quichotte, a modern-day reimagining of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote. The novel received critical acclaim for its inventive narrative and insightful social commentary.
Victory City was written in 2022. In August of that year, ahead of the book’s release, Rushdie faced another threat against his life when he survived a knife attack. As Rushdie prepared to take part in a literary event in New York, Hadi Matar leapt onto the stage and stabbed him multiple times. Rushdie survived the attack after being rushed to the hospital, though his use of one eye and one arm was impaired. Matar’s motivations were linked to the decades-old controversy associated with The Satanic Verses. After being charged with attempted second-degree murder, Matar pled not guilty in court. In a subsequent interview, Matar confessed to never having read The Satanic Verses but admitted that his attack was driven by what he believed was Rushdie’s criticism of Islam, which Matar learned about by watching online videos. However, Matar refused to link himself to the fatwa originally issued by Ayatollah Khomeini.
Following Rushdie’s recovery, Victory City was published in 2023. Rushdie did not take part in a promotional tour for the novel due to his injuries, but he released several statements to accompany the book’s publication. Victory City received positive reviews.
Historical Context: The Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire, one of the most influential and powerful kingdoms in the history of the Indian subcontinent, lasted from the 14th to the 17th century. The origins of the Vijayanagara Empire trace back to the 1330s, when brothers named Harihara I and Bukka Raya I established the kingdom in the wake of the decline of the Kakatiya and Hoysala kingdoms. Their foundation was strengthened by the guidance of the sage Vidyaranya, who played a crucial role in shaping the empire’s cultural and religious identity. The brothers, initially under the influence of the Delhi Sultanate, later asserted their independence and established their capital at Hampi, a strategic location along the Tungabhadra River.
Under the reign of Harihara I and subsequent rulers, notably Bukka Raya I, the empire expanded rapidly. They engaged in both military conquests and astute diplomacy, bringing vast regions of Southern India under their control. They successfully integrated diverse regions, cultures, and languages, creating a heterogeneous yet harmonious society. Bukka Raya II’s reign witnessed the height of Vijayanagara’s power and prosperity, marked by territorial expansion, economic growth, and cultural efflorescence.
Arguably the most illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya, ascended the throne in 1509. His rule, characterized by military triumphs, diplomatic finesse, and patronage of arts and literature, is often referred to as the empire’s golden era. Krishnadevaraya’s reign saw unparalleled cultural achievements, with the empire becoming a center for art, literature, and religious scholarship. The arts flourished, exemplified by the construction of magnificent temples, intricate sculptures, and the patronage of renowned poets and scholars.
The Vijayanagara Empire had a well-structured administrative system. The rulers, advised by a council of ministers, governed various provinces through appointed governors. The empire’s society was diverse, encompassing multiple linguistic, religious, and cultural groups. Though predominantly Hindu, the empire welcomed and respected other faiths, fostering an environment of religious tolerance. One of the enduring legacies of the Vijayanagara Empire is its architectural marvels. The capital city of Hampi was adorned with temples, palaces, and monuments that reflected the empire’s grandeur. The Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple complex, and the Stone Chariot stand as testaments to the empire’s architectural prowess.
The empire faced numerous challenges in the late 16th century. Internal conflicts, succession disputes, and external invasions weakened its foundations. The Deccan Sultanates, particularly the combined forces of the Bijapur Sultanate, Golconda Sultanate, and Ahmadnagar Sultanate, gradually chipped away at Vijayanagara’s territories. The decisive Battle of Talikota in 1565 marked a catastrophic defeat for the empire, leading to the sack of Hampi and a significant decline in its power. Despite its eventual decline, the Vijayanagara Empire’s legacy endures. Its cultural contributions, architectural achievements, and spirit of religious and artistic unity continue to influence South Indian heritage. The empire’s administrative structures, its emphasis on religious tolerance, and its impact on regional politics laid the groundwork for future kingdoms in the Deccan.
Literary Context: Sanskrit Epic Literature
Sanskrit is an ancient and highly structured language originating in the Indian subcontinent. It holds significant historical and cultural importance. Rooted in the Indo-European linguistic family, Sanskrit boasts a sophisticated grammar, precise phonetics, and an extensive vocabulary. This classical language served as the medium for a vast array of religious, philosophical, and literary texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, and a wealth of treatises on subjects ranging from grammar and medicine to mathematics and astronomy.
Sanskrit epic literature is a fundamental part of ancient Indian literary heritage, comprising two primary epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. These epic texts, composed in poetic verses, hold profound cultural, religious, and philosophical significance and have wielded immense influence across diverse spheres, not only shaping Indian society but also influencing literature, art, and thought globally. The Ramayana, traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, chronicles the life of Prince Rama, his exile, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. This epic explores themes of duty, honor, and the triumph of good over evil. The Mahabharata, credited to the sage Vyasa, encompasses a vast array of stories, teachings, and dialogues. At its core lies the saga of the Kuru dynasty, which focuses on the conflict between two family groups—the Pandavas and the Kauravas, culminating in the great war of Kurukshetra.
These epics have served as repositories of moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings. Themes of dharma (righteousness), karma (action and consequence), and societal duty are essential parts of the messages of these epics, influencing ethical codes and societal norms. Furthermore, the characters from these epics, such as Rama, Sita, Krishna, and Arjuna, have become archetypal figures embodying ideals of virtue, devotion, and heroism. Their stories have been retold through myriad adaptations in literature, music, dance, theater, and visual arts across different Indian languages and cultures.
The Sanskrit epics also serve as repositories of profound philosophical and spiritual wisdom. Within the Bhagavad Gita, a section of the Mahabharata, Krishna imparts spiritual guidance to Arjuna on duty, righteousness, and the nature of existence. Its teachings on karma yoga (the yoga of action), bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), and jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge) have profoundly influenced Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
The Sanskrit epics set the standard for epic storytelling in Indian literature. Their poetic language, intricate narratives, and vivid imagery have inspired generations of writers and poets. They have been translated into numerous languages, both within India and globally, ensuring their accessibility to a broader audience. Beyond literary adaptations, these epics have also been adapted into various art forms. Traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak often incorporate stories from the epics into their repertoire. The performing arts, folk traditions, and classical music have drawn inspiration from these narratives, preserving and perpetuating their cultural relevance. Translations and retellings of the epics have garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences worldwide. Scholars, philosophers, and writers from diverse cultural backgrounds have drawn inspiration from the universal themes embedded within these narratives.
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