Synopsis It is a brilliant novel-embodying ethos of modern India, an attempt to catch the spirit of the age. Before the Independence of the country, there was a spontaneous upsurge of patriotic enthusiasm and fervour, a keenness to realise the dream of Ramrajya, of prosperity and justice for all and uplift of the poor. However, the dreams seem to vanish away in the post-independence era, as self-interest dominates, corruption spreads, rat-race for getting easy money grows, and in the process familial relations shrink and get dried up. It is a serious work of literary art characterised by historical overtones and vast sweep. It deepens our understanding about the drift of modern times where human relations and values are the first casualty. A remarkable work which embodies the growing dilemmas and inner contradictions of the modern man. It should interest the general readers as also those belonging to the categories of characters in this work.