Portrayal of Indian Agrarian Life in Mallikarjun Patil's Under the Mango Tree

Indian rural life has been a significant theme in Indian Literature. The Modern and Postmodern writers like R.K.Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Aravind Adiga etc have explored rural India in their works highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by rural communities. The present research paper explores the representation of traditional Indian agrarian life in Mallikarjun Patil’s novel Under the Mango Tree (2017). Through its rural setting and vivid portrayal of agrarian life, the novel draws attention to the intimate relationship between farmers and their land, emphasizing practices that are rooted in indigenous knowledge, environmental awareness, and community cohesion. It also highlights how traditional farming is ecologically sustainable and culturally and spiritually significant. The paper analyzes how the novel reflects the simplicity, sustainability, and community-centric ethos of traditional farming. It also addresses the socio-economic challenges and transitions faced by rural communities in modern India.