Subversion of Patriarchal Ideology and Alternate Sexuality: A Gendered Anatomization of Vijaydan Detha's “New Life”

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of sexuality, gender, and folk culture in the context of Vijaydan Detha's short story “Dohari Zindagi” translated as “New Life”. The paper delves into the ongoing debate between essentialism and social constructivism in understanding sexuality, highlighting the challenges of defining sexuality across different cultures and times. It discusses how Detha's storytelling draws from Rajasthan’s native culture and combines it with contemporary socio-political themes, promoting a more democratic and inclusive mindset through narratives of dissensus and resistance. It argues that Detha's work blurs the lines between traditional folklore and modern storytelling, emphasizing the relevance of these themes across time. Furthermore, the paper references Judith Butler to provide theoretical frameworks for understanding the fluidity and performance of gender and sexuality. It also explores how Detha's narratives challenge normative structures and open up possibilities for reshaping gender identity and subjectivity. It examines Vijaydan Detha's storytelling as a means to subvert patriarchal ideologies, challenge gender norms, and explore alternate sexualities within the context of Indian folk culture. Detha's work is seen as a bridge between traditional folklore and contemporary socio-political discourse, shedding light on the complexities of gender and sexuality in society.