Manifestations of “Chanakya Neeti” in David Malouf’s “An Imaginary Life”

Abstract

One undergoes a lot a pleasure andpain in life through one’s journey from birth to death. Each and every ind^^idual wish pleasure and shuns pain and suffering. Therefore, which is the right way (Dharma) to approach life with a positive attitude? Renowned philosopher and teacher, Chanakya in his “Chanakya Neeti ”propounds that it is essential to impart an individual with all practicalfacets o f life. David Malouf, a prominent Australian writer give shape in his fiction “An Imaginary Life ” to the Roman poet Ovid’s life in exile by taking hints from Ovid’s own works such as Fasti, Tristia and Metamorphoses. M alouf also discusses about aspects such as language, culture and tradition. This paper tries to analyse the aspects o f Chanakya Neethi in the life o f Ovid, through hisjourney towards Metamorphosis.