The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India

"The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India" by I. A. R. Wylie is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Indian culture and colonial tensions, the story unfolds through the lives of various characters, including the titular hermit doctor, Tristram, and the village storyteller, Ayeshi, amidst romantic and historical plots. The narrative intertwines themes of love, bravery, and the clash between modernity and tradition. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a crisis of the past, shared through a village storyteller recounting the tale of Rani Kurnavati’s valorous stand against enemy forces in Chitore, highlighting themes of heroism and sacrifice. The scene shifts to the present day, where Tristram, known as the "Dakktar Sahib," engages with the villagers, prescribing medicine while fostering deeper connections, especially with a young boy named Ayeshi, who shows great admiration for him. As Tristram and Ayeshi travel toward a temple, the narrative unveils a sense of mystery and anticipation for the challenges and relationships that lie ahead, setting the stage for a larger exploration of the intersection between personal desires and broader social issues in an evolving India. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ida Alexa Ross Wylie, known by her pen name I.A.R. Wylie, was an Australian-British-American novelist, screenwriter, short story writer, poet, and suffragette sympathiser who was honoured by the journalistic and literary establishments of her time, and received international recognition for her works. Between 1915 and 1953, more than thirty of her novels and stories were adapted into films, including Keeper of the Flame (1942), which was directed by George Cukor and starred Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.