Title: The Path of Non-Attachment : Exploring Advaitic Themes in Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas Download

Author: Tamanna

cite this article:
Tamanna, ”The Path of Non-Attachment : Exploring Advaitic Themes in Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas”, Published in GYANVIVIDHA, ISSN: 3048-4537, Volume-2 | Issue-1 , Jan.-March 2025, Page No. :-66-73. URL: https://journal.gyanvividha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tamanna-Gyanvividha-vol2-issue-1ISSN-3048-4537-Jan.-March-2025-pp66-73.pdf

Abstract : In Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas, the dialogue between Advaitic non-attachment and modern narrative techniques yields a rich exploration of self-identity and existential transformation. This paper investigates Joshi’s narrative in the shadows of Advaita Vedanta, imploring classical texts such as Shankara’s Vivekachudamani and modern insights by Deutsch and Sharma. Using qualitative textual analysis, principal moments of detachment and duality are highlighted throughout the protagonist’s journey, helping to illustrate a synthesis of ancient non-dual philosophy and contemporary literary expression. The findings show that Joshi adeptly interlaces traditional notions of non-attachment into a tale expressing postcolonial identity woes and existential crises. This research adds to the understanding of non-attachment in modern Indian literature and places a renewed emphasis on the accessibility of Advaita and its relevance in current times. In short, the research adds to scholarly discourse on the crossroads of philosophy and narrative in the “becoming one’s self” narrative.

Keywords : Non-attachment,  Advaita Vedanta, Arun Joshi, The Strange Case of Billy Biswas, Self-identity, Modern Indian literature, Detachment.

Publication Details:

Journal : GYANVIVIDHA (ज्ञानविविधा)

ISSN : 3048-4537 (Online)

Published In : Volume-2 | Issue-1, Jan.-March 2025

Page Number(s) : 66-73

Publisher Name :

 Mrs Anubha Chaudhary | https://journal.gyanvividha.com | E-ISSN 3048-4537