Aziz: The Colonized Mughal

In E.M. Forster's "A Passage to India", Aziz has significant trouble reconciling the glorious past of the Mughal Empire and the eminence of the Muslim community with his current position in British India. Although we've discussed Aziz's conflictual relationship with his own identity in class, there is one instance in Chapter 2 we haven't really looked at. When Mr. Callendar summons Aziz to his bungalow during dinner at Hamidullah's, Aziz feels agitated. He says, "He has found out our dinner hour, that's all, and chooses to interrupt us every time, in order to show his power." Hamidullah responds by saying that it might be a serious case and he, Aziz, better clean his teeth after pan. The narrator suggests that Hamidullah is "considerately paving the way for obedience". I found the use of the word "considerate" here very interesting. It suggests that Hamidullah is helping, or even coaxing him into submission. Aziz frequently speaks against the power of the British and needs to be subdued for perhaps his own good. 

"....Had you not better clean your teeth after pan?"

"If my teeth are to be cleaned, I don't go at all. I am an Indian, it is an Indian habit to take pan. The Civil Surgeon must put up with it..."

There is a distinct inconsistency in what Aziz says and does when it comes to the British. He cleans his teeth, leaves his tonga outside and approaches the bungalow on foot all in the fear of a "gross snub". Aziz feels consistently conscious of his honour and dignity throughout the novel. And that is why he can't emotionally assimilate himself into the Master-Servant relationship that British imperialism demands from him.

Aziz plans to voice his disdain when he finds that Mr. Callendar is not at home. He decides to write him a letter and half-way through, tears up his protest. "Tell him I have called, that is sufficient...."

He craves authority but also reclines from exhibiting it. It's almost as if the Mughal in him is aching to burst forth but he forces himself to hold back to protect the dignity which he feels he has inherited from the Mughals.