WOMEN IN PATRIARCHY: CRITIQUING THE POSITION OF MANIPURI WOMEN IN M.K. BINODINI DEVI’S THE PRINCESS AND THE POLITICAL AGENT

Abstract

India’s northeast is an amalgamation of varied cultures and traditions. A deep dive into the cultural practices of the different tribes showcase the varied positions of women and gender roles. The state of Manipur is widely known for the unique status of women in the society and is prominent for the active role played by them in shaping the history of the state. In this context, the years 1904 and 1939 are memorable in Manipur primarily because of the two historical wars spearheaded by the Manipuri women against the British imperialists. This paper looks at the patriarchal setup in the Manipuri society, particularly during the imperial regime, through noted author M.K. Binodini Devi’s book, The Princess and the Political Agent (2020). While exploring the position of women in a patriarchal setup, the study draws parallels to women’s situations from narratives of different genres, particularly, the author’s memoir titled The Maharaja’s Household (2015), which is also set in the backdrop of the British colonial regime in Manipur.