Debility of Physique and Cognizance Captured by Indu Sundaresan in The Shadow Princess

Abstract

Disabilities are of different types and each pose differing levels of severity. Life with challenging physical or mental conditions is neither humble nor relaxed. Dependency on others for meagre needs cripples the confidence too; but is always not the physical conditions alone that pose challenges, even incapacitated thoughts can incur trials. Situations like losing someone dearest, accidents, malignant circumstances, medical incapacities and psychological challenges all can become problematic and freeze the stable conditions of a person. The Shadow Princess by Indu Sundaresan is a historical novel based on Mughal empire, and the reign of Shah Jahan. The unexpected sudden demise of the emperor’s wife brings many challenging conditions to the forefront. The problems are not literal disabilities of challenged group, rather it is an assortment feelings and disabilities of inner and out self. The psychological disabilities could be experienced through the characters of Shah Jahan and Jahanara; his eldest daughter. This paper focusses on some of the debilities of body and mind captured in the novel.