The Bridge Home

The Challenges Facing Indian Children Without Homes

In The Bridge Home, Venkatraman has chosen a distinct setting. Viji and Rukku leave their home in India after experiencing physical abuse from their father. The challenges they face in gathering trash to sell, attempting to sell jewelry, and shelter in makeshift tents point to India’s history as a rapidly developing nation rising from the violence of colonialism.

Indian culture has an illustrious history of trade, commerce, religious diversity, and nomadic life. In 323, the region now known as India formed into a dynasty after Buddhism and other religions were founded in the area. The Nanda dynasty grew in power until the first century, where more fluid cultural groups influenced the region. The land was then united by Gupta control, entering a time which is considered a foundational period for the country’s art and literature (Murphy, Anne. “India: A Historical Overview.” Asia Society).

The region was then ruled by invaders from Turkey, who dominated smaller kingdoms throughout modern-day India. The year 1526 saw the beginning of the Mughal empire that ended in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British empire gained control of the Bengal province. While some areas of modern-day India were not directly ruled by Britain, they submitted to the country’s power due to its proximity (Murphy, Anne. “India: A Historical Overview.” Asia Society).

Once British control was removed, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal emerged as individual countries. After decolonization, India continued to experience the presence of other countries, including the United States, especially during the Cold War. India’s rapid modernization, influenced by colonizing and imperial powers, has left disparities in its wake as the country continues to grapple with how governments, cities, and organizations should operate (Kumar, Prakash. Interview by Cheri Kuncheria. #AsiaNow, Association for Asian Studies, 7 Oct. 2020); (Murphy, Anne. “India: A Historical Overview.” Asia Society).

Viji, Rukku, Arul, and Muthu try to find their place in this setting, and face the struggle of being without a home, kidnapping, hunger, deprivation, prejudice, lack of trustworthy resources, and death. In her Author’s Note, Venkatraman points out that the characters and events were based upon actual individuals and real-life happenings.