Naipaul has invariably addressed himself to some of the most unpalatable and incendiary issues facing human destiny in a world marked by inauthenticity, multiracialism and the huge process of dispersal across continents and national boundaries. While his harsh and scathing attacks on the derivative, ''synthentic'' cultures of the post-colonial age are hard to be absorbed, these provide an interesting literary and imaginative counterpoint to the equally compelling insight and convictions of some of his contemporaries.

Of late the importance of creative writers has been somewhat eclipsed by the sudden incursion of critical theories and postmodern styles of intellectual debate on culture, history, literature and politics. The present study provides fresh insights into Naipaul''s role and situation as a writer, while taking note of the dominance of theories and critical practices such as post-colonial and by bringing to a focus some of the major theoretical positions of its leading practitioners. Working through diaspora and diasporic identification and Naipaul''s placement in it, and through its subtle treatment and argumentation, the present study breaks new ground in Naipaul criticism by exploring some significant links in Naipaul''s writings and his obsession with repetitive themes and experiences.