Malgudi

Malgudi is the fictional Indian town in which many of R.K. Narayan's novels and short stories are set. There are indications in the novel that it is located in southern India, on the border, between Mysore and Madras. According to Narayan's novel Malgudi Days, Malgudi was founded in the 1800s by fictional British officer Sir Fredrick Lawley. Lawley founded the town by combining several neighboring villages under one municipal government. Malgudi is portrayed as a microcosm of India, inside of which dwell many of the country's peoples and interests.

The Banyan Tree

The banyan tree is the place where Margayya conducts all his business as a moneylender. Banyan trees are large fig trees and the national tree of India. They are often used as gathering places in public space. The fact that Margayya conducts his business beneath a tree across the street from the Co-operative Bank reflects...