Baba's role in "Clear Light of Day".

In Anita Desai's novel each character plays a significant role, no matter how short the periods of appearances are, in making the story a success. One such character which totally embodies this idea is the youngest Das sibling, Baba.
Baba was a very special individual in this novel, in many ways than his birth defect is. For one he is a very contributive supporting character. Also he is a steady character throughout the story although having little or no lines at all. He is also very symbolic of different themes in the novel.
Foremost, the character Baba aids the readers in their quest to understand the novel by unveiling the quality characters that some major characters such as Bimla possessed. Due to Baba's mental condition he actually helps to build reveal characters by just being himself. People like Bimla and Aunt Mira show strong personalities and love by taking there time with him, and putting dreams on the line in order to take care of him. In doing this he helps to make Bimla's character even more appreciated by the readers. On the other hand individuals such as Raja and their mother are seen as neglectful, cold and unloving. These individuals, although family they may be, were not as caring as the afore mentioned family members. This is emphasized in the way that the pay the least attention to Baba.
Also Baba was able to remain a constant character throughout the novel. This is a feat that not many authors can boast about their silent, mentally challenged characters. Baba although at a huge disadvantage actually was still able to play an integral role in the book. And the surprising things were that the things which were picked up about Baba were his very simplistic actions, which had a major alternate interpretation to all of them.
Overall Baba's character was a character which evidently re-emphasized or reinforced some vital main themes. One of those themes was the past remaining the same. Baba was a major symbol and was one which went hand in hand with the 'Old Delhi' symbolism. Baba was a person who had an almost monotonous lifestyle throughout the book. He showed that just like the old house and Old Delhi that home had remained the same over all those years.