Cinema and literature: mysticism in colonial India

and its representation

Title: Cinema and Literature: Mysticism in Colonial India and its Representation – A Comparative Analysis of G. Vignali and G. Prata’s ‘Verso Benares’ and Pierre Loti’s ‘The Rajah’s Pearls’

In the realm of artistic expression, the intertwining of cinema and literature has often resulted in a symbiotic relationship that transcends the boundaries of individual mediums. This essay aims to explore this relationship, focusing on the depiction of mysticism in colonial India, as portrayed in G. Vignali and G. Prata’s film ‘Verso Benares’ and Pierre Loti’s novel ‘The Rajah’s Pearls’.

‘Verso Benares’, a 1961 Italian film, delves into the spiritual journey of a Westerner seeking enlightenment in the sacred city of Varanasi, also known as Benares. The film’s narrative is a testament to the allure of Eastern mysticism, a theme that resonates with Pierre Loti’s ‘The Rajah’s Pearls’, published in 1900.

Loti’s novel, set in colonial India, follows the protagonist, a French naval officer, as he embarks on a spiritual quest in search of the ‘pearl of the Brahmins’. His journey, much like the protagonist in ‘Verso Benares’, is marked by a profound encounter with the mystical and spiritual aspects of Indian culture.

Both works underscore the profound impact of the East on Western sensibilities, particularly in the context of colonialism. The East, often romanticized as a land of spiritual enlightenment, served as a contrast to the materialistic and industrialized West. This dichotomy is evident in both the film and the novel, with the protagonists seeking solace and spiritual guidance in the mystical landscapes of India.

However, it is crucial to note that these depictions are not devoid of Orientalist undertones. The East is often portrayed as exotic, mysterious, and spiritual, reinforcing stereotypes that have persisted for centuries. This is a critique that can be levied against both ‘Verso Benares’ and ‘The Rajah’s Pearls’.

In ‘Verso Benares’, the protagonist’s journey is depicted as a
website: www.benaresfilm.com