Lagani and Amrita: A Comparative Psychological Analysis of Raghuvir Chaudhari’s Novels

Abstract

This study compares two Gujarati novels, Amrita and Lagani, to understand how literature reflects psychological states of the human mind. While Amrita moves toward transcendence and the dissolution of ego into cosmic unity, Lagani shows alienation, despair, and inner conflict. The analysis was guided by three complementary research methods. First, thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns of meaning in the selected passages. Ten representative quotes from each novel were coded under categories such as ego, time, identity, love, and outcome. Second, psychological coding was applied, where literary themes were matched with constructs from transpersonal psychology, existential psychology, and clinical psychology. This step linked the novels with scientific frameworks, for example, ego dissolution with meditation research and alienation with depression studies. Third, comparative qualitative analysis was employed, where similarities and contrasts between the novels were systematically examined. Reliability of coding was tested through inter-rate checks, and validity was confirmed by aligning results with established theory and empirical studies. The findings show that Amrita reflects adaptive growth through surrender and self-transcendence, while Lagani reflects maladaptive coping through resistance and self-fixation. Together, they represent two opposite movements of the human mind: integration versus fragmentation. The study concludes that literature can act as a mirror of psychology, showing both the pathways of healing and the struggles of despair.