Exploring the Reinterpretation of Mythology Through Volga's The Liberation of Sita: An Intersectional Perspective

Anushka Gauriyar; Manjari Johri

Authors

Anushka Gauriyar Student of English Studies, Amity School of Languages, Amity University, Lucknow https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4878-6915
Manjari Johri Assistant Professor, Amity School of Languages, Amity University, Lucknow

Keywords:

Rewriting, Intersectionality, Narrative technique, Feminist studies, Sisterhood

Abstract

Aim: This paper is an intersectional study of The Liberation of Sita which highlights women's solidarity and examines how the bond of sisterhood helps them find their true selves. It evaluates Volga’s narrative style through the framework of feminist studies to establish how re-writing a cultural text is an act of resistance that challenges the patriarchal social order to empower the marginalized and ignored sections of society.

Methodology and Approaches: This study applies the intersectional approach as well as feminist analysis to examine Volga’s The liberation of Sita. Her “gynocentric retelling” of the epic places the female characters in the centre and gives a voice to the female perspective.

Outcome: The paper highlights Volga’s re-visioning of the grand narratives. Re-telling of the cultural narratives establishes a co-relation between the ancient cultural history and the present socio-political reality. The Liberation of Sita is a re-working of the Indian epic Ramayana written by the legendary poet and ancient sage Valmiki.

Conclusion and Suggestions: Re-interpreting mythological texts from a feminist perspective not only challenges the prevalent patriarchal beliefs but also gives voice to the marginalised literary figures. In order to comprehend hoe cultural reinterpretation can encourage social change, it recommends more research into feminist retellings in regional Indian literatures, as well as literatures across the world.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Anushka Gauriyar , Student of English Studies, Amity School of Languages, Amity University, Lucknow

Anushka Gauriyar is a passionate scholar currently pursuing her Master of Arts in English Literature at Amity University. With a strong commitment to academic inquiry and critical engagement, she delves into various literary traditions and theoretical frameworks. Her research interests include feminist literature, postcolonial narratives, cultural studies, and the re-interpretation of mythology. She has published a paper titled: “Attia Hosain’s Sunlight on a Broken Column: Mirroring the Cultural Transition in Post-Independence India”. Anushka is dedicated to producing research that reflects both analytical depth and scholarly precision. She aims to contribute meaningfully to contemporary literary discourse through thoughtful analysis and original perspectives.

Dr. Manjari Johri is an Assistant Professor at Amity School of Languages, Amity University Lucknow. She has twenty-five years of teaching experience. Dr Johri earned her PhD from the University of Lucknow in 2009. She is keenly interested in teaching drama and poetry and is inclined towards feminist writing and theory. She has published papers in renowned journals and edited volumes, including, Literature, Language and Communication: An Essential Trident, The Mind of the Director for Ministry of Culture, Government of India, a major project undertaken by Late Prof. Raj Bisaria, Padmashree. She worked with Late Prof. Bisaria as a Research Assistant for Tagore National Fellowship on the title Shakespeare’s Indian Summer. Other areas of interest include world drama and its theatrical adaptations, Gender Studies, and Women’s Studies, Masculinities and Cultural Studies.