Karan Mahajan's Novel 'The Complex' Explores India's Political and Social Histories

Karan Mahajan has published his third novel, 'The Complex,' which examines India's political landscape during the 1980s and 1990s, including the rise of Hindu nationalism and protests against caste-based affirmative action. The book follows the fictional Chopra family living in an apartment complex, exploring their internal conflicts and connections to broader societal upheavals. Mahajan, an associate professor at Brown University, drew from personal memories and research trips to India. The novel represents a stylistic shift from his previous works, focusing more on character development than plot-driven narratives. It addresses themes of sexual violence, family dynamics, and political turmoil.