In the novel Nectar in a Sieve, author Kamala Markandaya creates various themes. A theme of the book is that tensions can be caused by modernization and industrial progress. This theme is widespread throughout the story and broadens the reader's perspective on modernization. Markandaya writes about a primitive village that is going through a serious change. His ability to form a plethora of characters with different opinions, while sharing a single main culture, helps highlight the tensions in the village. The story takes place in India, a country that was still primordial in the book. At this time, the majority of citizens believe in Hinduism. A common belief is that the cow is sacred and holy. This information links to Nectar in a Sieve through the tannery built to help modernize this small village in India. Tanneries process dead cows and cow hides. Because of this, those who are Muslims got the jobs. As finances and farming are not going well for Rukmani and Nathan, two of their sons decide to work in the tannery. This d...