Draupadi by Mahashweta Devi: Echoes of Patriarchy, Criminality and Conflict

Author(s): Dr. Upendra Kumar Dwivedi

Abstract:

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the role of women in a male-dominated society and their status as mere possessions in Mahasweta Devi's short story "Draupadi". Within this narrative, the author boldly criticizes the prevalence of Indian feudalism and sheds light on the government’s lack of gratitude. Gayatri Chakravarty Spivak’s translation of "Breast stories" includes three distinct tales: “Draupadi”, “Breast Giver”, and “Behind the Bodice.” Each of these stories revolves around the themes of exploitation and patriarchy. In “Draupadi”, Devi vividly portrays the violence endured by the story’s protagonist, Dopdi Mejhen. The exploration of Trauma Theory and Cognitive Dissonance in Mahasweta Devi's “Draupadi” delve into various themes such as resistance, subalternity, and gender dynamics. The story vividly portrays Dopdi Mejhen's defiance against both patriarchal and colonial oppression, showcasing her resistance through acts of non-cooperation and radical actions. Devi’s narrative deeply examines the trauma experienced by Dopdi Mejhen, a subaltern figure who challenges societal norms and power structures. This analysis applies theories of subalternity, gender performativity, and resistance to shed light on the character’s relentless struggle for socioeconomic freedom. Through Dopdi’s personal journey, the narrator exposes the prevalent violence, exploitation, and patriarchy within Indian society, emphasizing the intricate nature of trauma and cognitive dissonance within the context of subaltern existence.

Keywords: Patriarchy. Exploitation, Marginalization Class, Race.

Pages: 42-45      |       175 View       |       4 Download