What is the importance of the Yamuna River in the novel, Age of Vice?

The Yamuna River symbolizes the tension between tradition and modernity in India. As one of the country's most important rivers, running centrally though Delhi, it embodies the ancient cultural heritage that has shaped Indian society for centuries. However, its current state as home to numerous colonies of impoverished people reflects the adverse effects of rapid modernization and urbanization, highlighting the environmental and human costs of industrialization. The Yamuna serves as a poignant reminder of the need to balance respect for traditional values with the demands and challenges of contemporary life.