The God of Small Things: Historical Context

“The God of Small Things” is set in the late 1960s amid a volatile socio-political context in India. Communal tensions, class struggles and the socio-economic divide were common, which the book heavily embodies.
Capitalism and Communism are two crucial aspects depicted in the novel. Kerala’s first Communist government came to power in 1957, posing significant challenges to existing power structures. In the book, Chacko is an ardent Communist sympathiser, whereas Baby Kochamma despises the ideology.
The novel discusses the Caste System - a pivotal aspect of Indian society. It depicts the plight of the ‘Untouchables’ or ‘Paravans’, showcasing the depth of caste discrimination that continues to exist in parts of India.

Historical Context

The novel also paints a picture of post-colonial India, heavily influenced by British rule. This influence is explicitly shown through the characters’ Anglicised mannerisms and language, and implicitly through the remnants of racial and social hierarchies.
The family’s mixed relationship with England reflects the complicated sentiments many Indians held towards the British - a combination of resentment, awe, and a craving for acceptance. This is embodied in the preferential treatment Sophie Mol receives, and the family’s obsession with maintaining a ‘British’ lifestyle.
The socio-political movements of the 1960s also greatly influenced Roy’s writing. The socio-cultural revolution worldwide during this era is mirrored in the rebellious actions of characters like Ammu and Velutha.

“The God of Small Things” also offers insight into the life of women in traditional Indian society. Dialogue and interaction between characters reveal the prevalent gender bias and societal norms.
The character of Ammu is particularly illustrative of the patriarchal nature of Indian society. As a divorcee, she is constantly met with disdain and exclusion, making her forbidden love affair with Velutha an act of strict societal defiance.

The novel is set in Kerala, a unique state in India known for its high literacy rates, matriarchal society, and strong Christian community. These aspects are highlighted through the lives of the central characters.
The Syrian Christian community, to which the central characters belong, was a uniquely privileged group within Kerala, a result of their early conversions to Christianity - another byproduct of colonial rule. The novel examines their privileged status and their attempts to retain this privilege amidst socio-political changes.

The novel set against the backdrop of Ayemenem’s flora and fauna brings out the contrast between the natural environment and the social injustices within society.
Roy uses the luxuriant ecological environment of Kerala as a vehicle to entwine the personal and political narratives giving rise to an ecological dimension to the novel. Environmental degradation is symbolic of the societal degradation.