In this epic novel, Bhyrappa examines the social,
political, moral and psychological fibre of contemporary Indian life, spanning
the decades between post-Independence and the declaration of the Emergency
under Indira Gandhi. The range of characters is astonishingly comprehensive –
the true Gandhian idealist who, despite all odds, holds on to his values; an
honest, uncompromising journalist who remains steadfast to his professional
ethics; the “liberated” career woman who gains favour in the business world due
to her promiscuity; and the academic-politician with a carefully cultivated
charm used to seduce impressionable young women. Tantu is panoramic in scope,
moving from Bangalore to Mysore, from Banaras to Delhi. Police brutality, goondaism at the village level, the
superficial five-star hotel culture and the smuggling of art objects out of the
country are all subjects the novel relentlessly examines. Corruption and
nepotism in high and low places is portrayed with absolute candour, as is the
steady erosion of traditional Indian values. Tantu: The Loom of Life
is a fascinating survey of modern India, examined from many different angles.