Chapter 4

The collector had earlier promised to arrange a bridge party and invite Indians for Adela to meet. He issues party invitations to some important Indians, causing much excitement amongst the natives. Mahmoud Ali is not certain he wants to attend. He believes that the invitation has been ordered by the Lieutenant Governor; otherwise, nothing could make the local British extend such courtesy to the Indians. Nawab Bahadur, a large landowner, disagrees with Mahmoud, says he is ready to go to this party, and feels flattered and honored by the invitation. Nawab persuades others to go to the party although they are not nearly as excited as Nawab.

It is clear that everyone will arrive at the bridge party with their own expectations and reservations. The Indians are suspicious of the British invitation and think that something is up. Even though each individual has his own thoughts, all seem uneasy. Through the conversation and thinking of the natives, Forster goes to some length to show that the Indian community is neither monolithic nor stereotypical.

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