Politics of Leisure in Colonial India: 'Lagaan'

Politics of Leisure in Colonial India: 'Lagaan'

'Lagaan' can be interpreted as evidence of Indian resistance to British imperialism and a commentary on the evolution of cricket in colonial India, aiming to recover the lost history of the game.

The Indian Psyche and Cricket

Cricket in India is intertwined with the characteristics of the Indian people. Indians are said to have quicker reflexes and more flexible wrists, enabling them to perform unexpected feats on the field. While acknowledging the importance of established cricketing techniques, the author emphasizes the significance of individual and national traits in the game.

'Lagaan': A Commentary on Colonial Cricket

'Lagaan', a Bollywood film, is seen as more than just a story of resistance against British imperialism. It serves as a commentary on the evolution of cricket in colonial India. The film highlights the forgotten history of Indian cricket and challenges the notion that it was merely an aristocratic pastime.

Cultural Synthesis in 'Lagaan'

'Lagaan' brings together Hindi cinema and cricket within the setting of a traditional Indian village. This blend of elements contributes to the film's success and resonates with the Indian masses. Unlike other cricket-themed films, 'Lagaan' effectively combines these two pillars of Indian public culture.

The Plot: A Cricket Match for Freedom

Set in 1893, 'Lagaan' tells the story of villagers in Champaner who play cricket against the British to save their land and families. Captain Russell challenges Bhuvan to a match, with the stakes being a triple tax if the villagers lose or a tax revocation for three years if they win. Bhuvan accepts the challenge, turning the cricket match into a symbol of indigenous strength against colonial power.

Gandhian Undertones

The film extends beyond the cricket field, portraying the aspirations of the villagers and their triumph over imperial craftiness. This can be seen as a representation of Gandhian ideals, where the Indian farmer asserts his right to self-determination by ousting the colonizer.

A Nationalist Tale

'Lagaan' captures the essence of the Indian nation-state and pays tribute to India's buried cricket history. It depicts cricket as a sport appropriated from the British rulers, with its links to nationalism seen as a contemporary phenomenon.

Historical Perspectives on Cricket and Nationalism

Existing historiography often overlooks the connection between cricket and nationalism, viewing cricket as an element of colonial culture. However, historical evidence suggests a different narrative, with the Parsis of Bombay being among the first Indians to play cricket.

The Parsi Contribution

The Parsis, a westernized community, embraced cricket in the early 19th century, establishing cricket clubs and viewing cricketing prowess as a sign of physical vitality. However, explanations based solely on the Parsi experience fail to account for the origins of the game in other parts of India.

Regional Variations

The story of 'Lagaan' sheds light on how other Indian groups began playing cricket, often for complex reasons beyond emulation. The Parsi initiative also developed nationalist undertones over time.

The 1893 Setting

'Lagaan' is set in 1893, shortly after the Parsis defeated a British side, generating patriotic fervor throughout the country. Similar to the film, the British raised concerns about the bowling action of an Indian bowler during this historic match.

Cricket as a Tool for Assertion

Cricket became a means for Indians to assert their physical and moral qualities, challenging the notion of racial superiority. The film portrays this assertion of nationalism, with key moments during the match symbolizing the departure and arrival of Indian nationalism.

Cricket and Politics

Cricket was transformed into a non-violent arena for subverting colonial rule. It allowed for a politics typical of colonial conditions in a rapidly westernizing society. An innings similar to Bhuvan's was played by C.K. Nayadu in 1926-27, becoming a symbol of Indian cricketing prowess.

Parallels Between 'Lagaan' and Historical Accounts

The film's depiction of cricket's introduction and its association with the Indian aristocracy aligns with historical accounts from the second half of the 19th century. Initially, cricket was primarily played by the British, with limited Indian participation.

The description of cricket in 'Lagaan' as being similar to the Indian game of 'gilli danda' resonates with descriptions from the first tract on cricket written in Bengali in 1890.

Caste Discrimination in Cricket

The film's portrayal of initial objections to the inclusion of Kachra, an untouchable, mirrors the treatment of dalit and low-caste cricketers in India. Figures like Nagendraprasad Sarbadhikary critiqued caste-based discrimination in sports, advocating for inclusivity.

The inclusion of Baloo, a chammar, in the uppercaste Hindu team in the 1890s, parallels Kachra's inclusion in the Champaner team, symbolizing the triumph of meritocracy.

Symbolism

The chaotic fielding depicted in the film reflects descriptions of Indian cricket teams in the late 19th century, where players lacked the discipline and coordination of their British counterparts.

The formation of the village team symbolizes the indigenization of a colonial sport. By the early 20th century, Indian cricket had incorporated numerous lower and lower-middle-class individuals.

Clothing and Clashes

The villagers' attire in 'Lagaan' reflects historical accounts of Indians playing cricket in dhotis, leading to clashes with the British and even internal conflicts among Indian communities.

Strategies to Counter Colonialism

Sports became an arena for veiled political strategizing, allowing Indians to express themselves within the constraints of colonial society. This phenomenon gained prominence in the 1880s and 1890s, with sports becoming an integral part of Indian identity.

The Cultivation of Masculine Strength

European sports like cricket and football were seen as a means to counter the perceived effeteness of the Indian male. This shift occurred as Indian military initiatives were suppressed, and the focus shifted to 'charitrabal' (strength of character) rather than 'bahubal' (physical might).

Role Reversal

In the British context, village cricket was idealized as being free from the influences of industrialization and politics. However, in India, leisure settings provided an opportunity for role reversal, allowing Indians to imitate political encounters with the colonizers without the associated risks.

Political Motives

The flourishing of Indian cricket in the late 19th century was driven by a desire to display talent in English games, instilling pride and purpose in Indians. Victory in competitions against the colonizers was considered a significant achievement.

Club and Local Cricket

The growth of club and local cricket reflects a complex psychological investment in adopting European sports, with the aim of fashioning a new identity for the Indian male.

Enhanced Social Respectability

Prowess in manly games enhanced the social respectability of Indians, as evidenced by invitations and recognition from colonial rulers.

Cricket and Politics

The origin and development of Indian cricket can only be understood within the context of the colonial state. The adoption of European sport was not merely mimicry but was rooted in ideas of self-cultivation, manliness, and self-worth.

A Safe Haven

Cricket provided a safe haven for articulating feelings of self-worth and strength of character without the tension and fury associated with the political sphere. Its political message contributed to its longevity and enduring presence on Indian soil.

Broader History

'Lagaan' also touches on the broader history of cricket, including issues of corruption and match-fixing. The film's portrayal of virtue, fair play, and sportsmanship reflects the enduring image of cricket as a gentleman's game.

Conclusion

The release of 'Lagaan' coincided with a period of renewed interest in Indian cricket, further highlighting the close connection between commerce and leisure in the Indian context.