Struggle In Mahasweta Devi's Rudali

“Dredge for Survival through struggle” in Mahasweta Devi’s ‘Rudali’

Priyadharshini C.P.C, M.Phil Research Scholar, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore

Dr. R. Aseda Fatima, Assistant Professor, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore

The novel ‘Rudali’ (1979) by Mahasweta Devi, is an impeccable rendition which delineates the sufferings of woman, who have been denied human dignity. The novel was originally written in Bengali and translated to English by Anjum Katyal. An apparent depiction of the low caste woman as victim and a potentially subversive agent in the phallocentric patriarchy is evident in the novel. The material reality of the Indian village, which defines women in terms of their function as wives and mother’s, is precisely brought

The insatiable thirst to survive amidst the struggle is precisely manifested in ‘Rudali’.

Rabindranath Tagore remarks, “Our will our character has to attain perfection by continually overcoming evil” (42) in his world renowned rendition Sadhana. Every human being born in this world is destined to battle with emotional and physical tussle in their day to day life. The remarkable inherent ability to make strenuous efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition is bestowed upon them through procreation. The spirit of persistence profoundly present in every individual when identified precisely enables them to dredge for a survival even when the parameter of turbulence surrounding them is grave.

Mahasweta Devi has presented to the readers a seamless interpretation of serious of struggles in Rudali (1979). This confrontation of conflict by a woman in the society replenishes her spirit and gives unyielding endurance, which transforms her into an emancipated individual rising from the ashes as a noble survivor. The whole novel spins around this aspect explicitly. The formulation of gender biased rules codifies Women’s status and place in