The Guru of Abuse: Analysing Cultural Distortions in Anuradha Roy’s Sleeping on Jupiter

Abstract

This research paper delves into the intricate relationship between culture as a tool of oppression and liberation, focusing on the experiences of child abuse within the context of Anuradha Roy’s Sleeping on Jupiter (2015). The study investigates how the abuse perpetuated against the orphaned girls reflects distortions of cultural norms and traditions, thereby revealing the potential for culture to be used as an instrument of oppression. The central figure in this narrative, Guruji, manipulates religious notions of the guru-disciple relationship, exploiting his claimed status as the girls’ new “God” to mask his exploitation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the novel, this study reveals the dichotomous role of religious and cultural elements. The paper argues that while religion can be harnessed for oppression and liberation, its enduring symbols and narratives form the foundation for survivors to reclaim their agency and cultural heritage. On one hand, the guru’s invocations of worship and devotion underscore the manipulation of cultural symbols to enable abuse and control. On the other hand, the paper explores how the orphaned girls find solace by re-engaging with Hindu mythological narrative traditions through storytelling. The study demonstrates that the tales from the Ramayana provide solace from the guru’s falsehoods. Ultimately, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interaction between cultural forces, gender dynamics, and the potential for empowerment within the framework of religious traditions, as depicted in the novel.