BETWEEN MYTH AND REALITY: WOMEN'S AGENCY IN DEVDUTT PATTANAIK'S STORYTELLING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i5.2024.5194Keywords:
Devdutt Pattanaik, Indian Literature, Women's Representation, Counter-Discursive Readings, Literary Analysis, Female Strength, Societal RolesAbstract [English]
The Works of Devdutt Pattanaik have been read against the grain, so to say; the discourses that powerfully counter indicate the representation of women and their prominent position in society. Authors Indira Purohit and Dr. Suresh Sharma have critically analyzed the uniqueness of this perspective in the Indian literature of Pattanaik in his presentation of the portrayal of the strength and importance of women. Based on the new reading of his novels, the essay offers innovative readings and contrary interpretations to discuss, challenge, and reassess the traditional narratives attached to female characters. The women, as depicted in Pattanaik's fiction, are apt to provide the essential life-giving quality, since smart men will be able to have meaningful relations with them, so such findings of study draw attention to the depth of women's relationships at the societal and natural levels.
References
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Pattanaik, D. (2012). Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana. Penguin Books India.
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Bhatt, R. (2018). "The Representation of Women in Contemporary Indian Literature." Indian Literature Review, 42(1), 15-30.
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Nair, P. (2017). "The Role of Women in Hindu Mythology: Empowerment or Subjugation?" Studies in Indian Culture, 25(4), 67-83.
Sharma, K. (2019). "Mythology and Gender: The Portrayal of Women in Modern Indian Narratives." Cultural Critique, 56(2), 89-102.
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Sinha, M. (2021). "Revisiting the Feminine Divine: Women in Devdutt Pattanaik’s Writings." Indian Journal of Literary Studies, 10(3), 77-94.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Bhargavi Anilbhai Bhagwat, Dr. Nilanjana Ghosh, Dr. Nilesh P. Sathvara

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