Patriarchy and Politics of Identity in Koral Dasgupta’s Ahalya

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay of patriarchy and the politics of identity in Koral Dasgupta’s novella Ahalya. Through the lens of feminist literary criticism, the study investigates how Dasgupta portrays the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, focusing on the titular character, Ahalya. The narrative explores themes of agency, subjugation, and self-identity against the backdrop of traditional gender roles and societal expectations. By analyzing the characters, symbolism, and narrative structure, this paper highlights how Dasgupta critiques the oppressive nature of patriarchy while advocating for women's empowerment and self-definition.