From Society and Culture in South Asia


As the capital city of the South Indian state of Karnataka, Bengaluru stands as a spatial testimony to the massive social, political, and economic shifts since its foundation in the early sixteenth century. However, like many other metropolises in the Global South and especially South Asia, the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s which stimulated the rapid metamorphosis of this once serene, peaceful town into a bustling cyber city.

When India adopted neoliberal measures, such as opening the economy for foreign direct investment, lifting restrictive trade licenses, and reducing the size and scope of the public sector (Tickell 2016), Bengaluru gained momentum as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, moving away from being a ‘pensioners’ paradise’ for retired government officials and bureaucratic elites.

Following the American discovery of the high concentration of skilled IT professionals in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Government announced its IT policies in the late 1990s which changed the city from a placid ‘pensioners’ paradise’ to the bustling ‘Silicon Valley of India’. With almost an explosion of disruptive changes, the topography and the demography of the city both saw a dramatic transformation.

The ‘Mr. Majestic Trilogy’ by Zac O’Yeah is a crime detection series set in post-millennial Bengaluru. The paper argues that it is possible to read this crime novel series as a social critique of the changing (social) spaces and interactions in the city, albeit these are represented with humor and light-heartedness in his novels. The paper seeks to read the novels as representing the specificities of the urban experience in this global South Asian city, and as bringing to the fore the dialectics of space and spatiality, especially as it embraces a neoliberal wave of globalization.

In O’Yeah's critique, the layers of the techno/metropolis are peeled back, exposing its underbelly of crime and corruption. Readers are prompted to contemplate the intricate dynamics of modern city life. Amidst the shadows, O’Yeah illuminates the resilience of individuals navigating these urban landscapes. These insights encourage a vigilant eye on the societal frameworks shaping our cities, challenging the glossy veneer to uncover the raw truth beneath.

Comments

  1. South Asia's society and culture are ||abogado de delitos sexuales nueva jersey||Getting Divorced in New York City characterized by rich diversity, including a tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions that have evolved over millennia.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a fascinating topic! I'm particularly interested in learning more about the diverse traditions and customs of the region.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an interesting subject! I'm especially curious to find out more about the region's varied traditions and customs. cookie clicker


    ReplyDelete
  4. This post brilliantly captures the transformation of Bengaluru and the complexities of urban life in a neoliberal context. O'Yeah's work not only reflects the city's vibrant atmosphere but also invites us to engage with its darker realities. It's fascinating how such narratives can parallel other experiences, like those found in innovative gaming platforms such as https://play1winaviatorindia.com/, where strategy and chance intertwine in a rapidly changing environment. Just as the city evolves, so do the ways we interact with and understand our spaces, both virtual and real.

    ReplyDelete
  5. South Asian culture, shaped by social systems, historical legacies, and continuous development, is a complex and diverse entity, requiring social cohesiveness, equitable economic growth, and cultural preservation. drug distribution lawyer A drug distribution lawyer is crucial in navigating complex laws, developing defense strategies, and advocating for clients facing serious charges, despite significant challenges and public perception.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am very happy to visit your blog, It tells me a lot of useful information. I will regularly visit the blog to support you fnaf 2 free game. As the capital city of the South Indian state of Karnataka, Bengaluru stands as a spatial testimony to the massive social, political, and economic shifts since its foundation in the early sixteenth century.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment