From Mythic Ideals to Modern Realities: The Evolution of Female Representation in Indian Writing in English

Abstract

The representation of women in Indian Writing in English (IWE) has undergone a profound and multifaceted transformation, reflecting a broader societal shift from colonial-era traditionalism to a post- globalisation consciousness. Traces this significant journey from the early, often romanticised and passive portrayals in the works of pioneers like Toru Dutt to the complex, rebellious, and multi-dimensional characters in contemporary IWE. The study examines how early writers, constrained by a patriarchal social fabric and influenced by Victorian ideals, often depicted women as either submissive figures of domesticity or ethereal, tragic heroines trapped by fate. In contrast, the post-independence and post-liberalisation eras have witnessed the emergence of a new generation of writers who dismantle these stereotypes, giving voice to women grappling with issues of autonomy, sexuality, professional ambition, and identity beyond their traditional roles. The article is structured into ten distinct points, each a thematic deep dive into this evolution, including the subversion of patriarchal narratives, the exploration of female sexuality, the rise of the feminist gaze, and the representation of the female body as a site of both tradition and rebellion. The central argument is that the changing representation of women in IWE is not merely a reflection of social change but a crucial catalyst for it, actively shaping a more progressive and equitable cultural discourse.