The Creative Launcher

Religion in Begum Rokeya’s Literature: Resemblance with the Marxist Narrative

2023-08-31T04:20:21+00:00

Against the dark background of the social exclusion of women, especially Muslim women, Begum Rokeya, the pioneer of women’s emancipation in Bengal, British India in the early 20^thcentury, stood with her enlightenment like a beacon and pushed her way for women’s emancipation from the depths of misery. She lived in a society shrouded by blind religious beliefs and practices where women were deprived of rights and freedom, and were repressed and oppressed in the name of religion. Despite her prevailing leanings toward religious beliefs and practices, she found that a powerful obstacle to women’s freedom stemmed from the misinterpretation of culturally biased religious norms, notions and intentions. She was a strong advocate for the emancipation of the society and especially women of her time. She eloquently expressed her opinion with regard to religious rituals, prevailing sentiments and general public psyche in practice that hindered the progress and emancipation of women as well as the society. Her opinions, propositions, criticisms, and activisms in this regard surprisingly resembled to a great extent that of the predominant Marxist views. In this article, her views and opinions on the dissemination and practice of religious teachings and rituals in the context of the marginalization of women as well as society have been examined and compared with that of the Marxist thoughts, especially those on religion through textual analysis and Marxist allusions.

Recontextualizing the Narratives: Exploring Oppression and Genocides in the Mahabharata

2023-08-31T04:36:15+00:00

The inhuman acts of mass-killing and oppression are as old as the history of civilization. Many have been condemned while numerous still fail to make it to headlines. The very discrimination between what is condemned and what gets brushed under the carpet delineates an oppressive tendency based on factors such as race, ethnicity, caste and religion. The present paper aims to explore and interpret two episodes from the Mahabharata that deal with oppression and/or genocide. First is the popular episode of Sarpasatra where Janmejaya, son of Parikshit, embarks on the sarpamedha yajna to kill all the snakes in order to avenge the death of his father. The second is a lesser-known episode in the Astika Parva of the Mahabharta where Garuda, instructed by her mother Vinata, selectively eats thousands of nishada to quell his hunger. At the heart of both the episodes are discrimination, dehumanization and an act of othering. Janmejaya sees the nagas as a threat and feels their annihilation is justified. When Vinata is telling his son Garuda about the dwelling place of the nishada, her conscience is convinced, her morality justifies the mass-murder of a race that was considered inferior in the social structure. Her warning to his son regarding how to avoid any sin by eating not eating a brahmin confirms that the prevalent morality sanctioned/endorsed this oppression favoring the oppressor against the oppressed. The Mahabharata as a grand-narrative not only subtly points out the inherent oppressive nature of the patriarchal morality, but also comes up with counter-narratives. There is a twist in the tale. A brahmin married to a nishada comes to the rescue of his wife pointing out the existence of alternate moralities as well as the intermingling of races. Similarly, the sarpamedhha yagna is intervened by Astika and the race of snakes is spared. While the emergence of a rescuer marks a major turning point and an effort in bringing home the lesson of inclusiveness and harmonious co-existence, it does not undo the damages already caused in the process.

Consciousness of Religion, Mythology and Spirituality: A Study of Prof. Vikas Sharma’s Novel I.A.S. Today

2023-08-31T04:44:32+00:00

Literature expresses the perceptions, feelings and desires of a writer. Indian English writers have predominantly been culturally conscious of religion. Religion and literature give peace to suffering humanity. I.A.S. Today is a novel written by Prof. Vikas Sharma. This research article delves into the intricate layering of religious, mythological, and spiritual themes present in Prof. Vikas Sharma’s novel I.A.S. Today. Sharma, a prominent figure in contemporary literature, weaves a tale that juxtaposes the bureaucratic life of the Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.) with profound reflections on India’s rich tapestry of religious and mythological narratives. At the heart of the study is an analysis of how Sharma’s characters navigate the complex moral and spiritual terrain, influenced by ancient tales and modern-day challenges. The narrative isn’t merely a portrayal of administrative life; it becomes a mirror to society, reflecting deeply rooted beliefs, cultural norms, and the internal conflicts individuals face when trying to reconcile their professional and personal aspirations with spiritual growth. Drawing from primary textual references and contextualizing them with classical Indian myths, the article underscores the ways in which the protagonist’s journey in the bureaucratic labyrinth is symbolic of a larger cosmic journey. Sharma’s work raises questions about dharma (duty), karma (action), and moksha (liberation) in the face of modern challenges. Various characters of this novel are influenced by the teachings given in Indian scriptures like The Srimad Bhagvadgita, The Upanishads and The Ramayana. They try to shape themselves by following the teachings and look for the right aim of human life. This paper aims to study the spiritual wisdom given in this novel which will open the right path for present generation. Furthermore, the research highlights Sharma’s innovative approach to storytelling, melding the real with the mythical. Through meticulous character analysis and plot dissection, the article reveals how the novel acts as a conduit for introducing contemporary readers to age-old philosophical questions. By doing so, Sharma not only offers a commentary on the state of present-day bureaucracy but also delves into timeless existential queries. Through this analysis, the article establishes Sharma’s novel as a significant contribution to Indian literature, bridging the ancient and the modern, the mundane, and the spiritual.

The Rippling of Dalit Consciousness in Contemporary Odiā Poetry

2023-08-31T04:48:58+00:00

Dalit literature has been influential in the rising awareness for protest or creating literature of social consciousness. The broad domain of Dalit writings includes the depravation and trauma of certain category of people for some socio-cultural, traditional biases. Maybe one of the tenets of it could be the so-called social stratification or formation of social class. Thus, like writings in many languages in India, in Odia, lots of writing account for the evidences and experiences associated with Dalit consciousness. It also envisages feminine perspectives giving the account of the autobiographies and plights and traumatic evidences of Dalit authors underlining the issues of caste, class, and gender in the backdrop of social exclusion. Dalit Literature in Odia has a rich history that can be traced back to the fifteenth century. In Odia literary creations such as Bouddhagāna, and Dohā, Charyāgeetikā, the anecdotes of social discrimination and casteism are noticed. There is potentiality in contemporary Odia poetry in reflecting on various themes of Dalit consciousness. As it is evident, it starts with saint poet Bhimbhoi who is said to be the first Dalit poet of Odishā in the mid-19^th century. Along with glorification of humanitarian attributes, he has outlined the plights of the depraved community. The motifs of Ekalavya, Sanatan, Kalia, Ghinua, Jara Shabara; musical instruments such as baja; the untouchables; Sriya Chandaluni in Laxmi Purana; fingertip print are common in reflecting Dalit issues variously. In this context, this paper focuses on the critical dimensions of Dalit poetry in Odia by including some of the well-known authors such as Gopinath Bag, P.K. Mishra, Nilamani Parida, Ashutosh Parida, Jayadrath Suna, Basudev Sunani, Pitambar Tarai, Akhil Nayak, and Hrushikesh Mallik. Such poets have applied the skills varieties of versification to focus comprehensively on the sensitivity of the traumatic issues of oppression; racial discrimination; socio-cultural taboos; loss of indigenous culture; evil effects of urbanization and politics; existential crisis; victimization of the poor and innocents; loss of ecological harmony; nostalgia and effects of displacement.

The Power of Laughter: A Study of the Comedies of Badal Sircar

2023-08-31T15:19:01+00:00

Comedy, unlike tragedy, is often overlooked as a lower form of art and less important. But comedy plays crucial role in entertaining as well as making people aware of real-life issues. Badal Sircar (1925-2011) is a widely recognized playwright of post-independence Indian theatre. While there is much scholastic focus and discussion on his absurd dramas and Third Theatre plays, his comedies have been mostly overlooked and have rarely drawn critical attention. By filling this gap in existing literature, the present research establishes the significance and value of Sircar’s comedies. It analyses situational pure comedies as well as black comedies from both the proscenium and the non-proscenium phases, namely Solution X, Boro Pisima, Shanibar, Ram Shyam Jadu, Ballabhpurer Rupkatha, Kabikahini, Bichitranushthan, Jadi Ar Ekbar, Abu Hossain, Hattamalar Oparey, Bagalacharit-manas, and Khat Mat Kring. While giving relief to the daily routines of the audience, Sircar presents serious matters in non-serious ways that simultaneously compel them to think about the surrounding worlds and grave issues (capitalist exploitation, corrupt politicians and hypocritical nature of political parties, dowry deaths, nuclear holocaust, unemployment, middle class aspirations and frustration in life, Brahmans-Dalits conflict, social changes, etc.). The study asserts that comedy cannot be merely dismissed as a non-serious art having no social purpose, but it can prove itself to be a powerful tool in raising socio-political awareness.

Exploring Folklore and Fantasy: Eudora Welty’s Interpretation of The Robber Bridegroom

2023-08-31T15:24:00+00:00

Eudora Welty, a celebrated American novelist renowned for her deft literary touch, prominently positioned herself within literary tradition with her famous novella, The Robber Bridegroom, which was published in 1942. This work, uniquely situated within the cultural tapestry of Mississippi, integrates elements drawn from American mythology and historical figures of the American South, weaving them into the fascinating tale of the gentleman robber Jamie Lockhart. The present research paper embarks on an exploratory journey into the complex tapestry of The Robber Bridegroom, offering a multifaceted analysis that bridges the gap between folklore, fantasy, and reality. It investigates the peculiar confluence of wisdom, seriousness, mysterious wilderness, amusement, and disenchantment—ingredients often found in traditional fairy tales. This synthesis resonates with the timeless quality of myth and resonates with a contemporary audience. Central to this exploration is an analysis of Welty’s intricate character portrayals and her deft use of irony and humor. These literary devices, alongside her nuanced evocation of the setting, serve to underscore a profound reflection on the transient nature of human connections. Moreover, this paper delves into Welty’s portrayal of the Western civilization’s impact on the indigenous Natchez tribe, a theme that lends the story historical depth and sociocultural relevance. In examining the dualities that permeate the narrative, such as enlightenment and ignorance, civilization and wilderness, the study highlights Welty’s ability to transcend simple dichotomies, presenting a fairy tale-like narrative that also fosters critical inquiry into the development of writing skills and artistic expression. Furthermore, the paper provides insights into how Welty’s narrative functions as a metaphorical bridge, connecting historical realities with a broader human experience, thus reinvigorating classical motifs with modern sensibilities. The present research article reveals a rich and multifarious literary landscape that bears witness to Welty’s masterful command of her craft. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of her work, and by extension, the intricate web of cultural, historical, and personal relationships that define our collective human experience.

Modernism-context and Overlooked Literary Manifestations

2023-09-17T04:16:07+00:00

The following paper discusses the emergence and characteristics of modernism, a dominant trend in art and culture that emerged in the late 19th century. Modernism encompasses various aspects of culture, including high art, criticism, city planning, and more. In literature, modernism represents a reaction against the conventions of realist narrative, moving away from traditional storytelling and embracing new techniques such as interior monologue and showing instead of telling. The research explores the debate on whether modernism has come to an end. Critics argue that it ended around 1930, while others disagree, pointing to the continued emergence of literary studies on modernism and its influence on various literary theories. The concept of modernism is discussed in an interdisciplinary context, encompassing various artistic currents, including symbolism, impressionism, expressionism, and more. The paper also touches upon the development of modernism in different art forms like visual arts, music, and architecture, and its influence on the concept of the “Bauhaus” movement. Furthermore, the paper discusses the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement centered in Harlem, New York, during the early 20th century. It highlights prominent figures of the movement, such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Bruce Nugent, who expressed African American life and culture through various forms of art. The impact of mass culture on modernism is also explored, with references to Mathew Arnold’s concept of culture and anarchy and F.R. Leavis’ criticism of mass civilization and its effect on authentic feeling and responsible thinking. Overall, the paper provides and overview of modernism’s multifaceted nature, its influence on various art forms, and its interaction with societal and cultural shifts during the 20th century.

Psycho-Analysis of Indian Woman in the Novels of Kamala Markandaya

2023-09-17T04:22:04+00:00

Kamala Markandaya, as a follower of Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Dorothy Richardson, and Henry James, delves deep into the inner workings of her characters to reveal their passions, goals, obsessions, pains, and struggles. Their life on Tuesday or Wednesday is not what it was on Monday or Sunday as various impressions come to their mind from all sides everyday. Chari, Ghosh, Sarojini, Dandekar, Rukmani, Nalini, Helen, Clinton, and others feel worried when they think about the past, the present, and the future. For the most part their previous events torment them and they have an existence of misery and hopelessness. While some impressions are trivial, others are as sharp as steel. As a novelist, she is highly conscious of the form and structure of each novel and hence avoids all useless impressions so as to give order and shape to the novel. She analyses her characters deeply, goes deep down into the inner workings of their mind and emotions. She brings out the struggle going on their mind. Her characters are reflective in nature. They suffer silently the arrows of pain and sufferings thrown by fate on their way. Markandaya displays some of her characters’ obsessions and agonies. She also puts them through travails and difficulties. The characters also go through the journey of attachment and detachment. Almost every aspect of human nature and emotions has been dealt with very minutely by Kamala Markandaya in her novels. Sometimes, she criticizes her characters too for their drawback. Her treatment of her characters is objective, fair, detached and unbiased.