The White Tiger

On the first night of seven covered in The White Tiger, Munna Balram Halwai, otherwise known as the titular White Tiger, addresses a letter to Premier Wen Jiabao of China, as the Chinese leader prepares to arrive in India. Offering to explain the “real” India beyond its choreographed diplomacy, Balram describes his beginning in what he calls the Darkness, the rural village of Laxmangarh.

Balram’s first letter expresses admiration for China and its progress, comparing what he conceives as India’s shortcomings, and claiming that the future belongs to “brown” and “yellow” men (those of India and China). Balram suggests that he inform Jiabao about former Bangalore (now Bengaluru), where Balram now resides, by sharing his life story—which comprises his time in Laxmangarh, Delhi, and finally, Bangalore. Claiming to be an entrepreneur, Balram explains his authority to give insights, especially after his conversations with Mr. Ashok and Pinky Madam, who once employed Balram as a driver and servant.

Interspersed throughout this history, Balram quotes his own wanted poster, critiquing the police for their failures. Foreshadowing Balram’s murder of Ashok before fleeing to Bangalore, the wanted poster offers Balram opportunities to explain his family situation in Laxmangarh, a place where Buddha reached enlightenment and Balram’s father, Vikram, worked as a rickshaw puller (as he is speculated to have owned a tea shop before it was seized by corrupt police officers).