The Question of Identity: An Analysis of Meena Kandasamy’s The Gypsy Goddess, and Urmila Pawar’s Motherwit

Abstract

The present article explores the complex trap of identity as depicted in Meena Kandasamy’s The Gypsy Goddess and Urmila Pawar’s Motherwit. It aims to elucidate the multifaceted dimensions of identity, specifically focusing on social, cultural, and gender aspects within the confines of marginalised communities in postcolonial India. The Gypsy Goddess, Kandasamy’s poignant narrative, is centred around the 1968 Kilvenmani massacre of landless Dalit laborers, while Motherwit, Pawar’s candid autobiographical account, examines the trials and tribulations of Dalit women’s lives in Maharashtra. By juxtaposing these two works, the article seeks to investigate the interplay between collective historical narratives and individual lived experiences, and their implications on the formation of identity. The article explicates how Kandasamy’s novel employs a kaleidoscope of narrative techniques to articulate the voice of the oppressed, while Pawar’s work explores the intersectionality of caste and gender through her personal journey. This paper employs various theoretical frameworks, such as postcolonial theory, feminist theory, and subaltern studies, to unravel the nuances of the characters’ identity crises and quests for self-actualization amidst sociopolitical upheaval. Moreover, the article scrutinizes the role of memory and storytelling as pivotal components in the construction and preservation of identity. The juxtaposition of Kandasamy’s historical fiction with Pawar’s autobiographical narrative enables the reader to discern the ways in which individual and collective identities are continuously shaped and reshaped through the prism of historical events and personal experiences. The article aims at illuminating the intricate pathways through which identity is negotiated within marginalized communities, and asserts the significance of literature as a potent tool in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering a more inclusive understanding of human identity.