Tête-à-tête with 'Draupadi': An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Abstract

Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi"(1978) is a complex and multi-layered narrativethat offers an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary analysis. She had herfirst-hand nuanced observations of the lives of the marginalized people in India,and the perpetuated oppression and exploitation of them by the upper classes andthe state as well. “Draupadi” is one of the depictions of the aforementioned in theform of a short story by Devi against the backdrop of Naxalite Movement and therebellion of the indigenous people for their rights. This paper aims to explore thevarious dimensions of "Draupadi" through the lenses of Liminality andMarginality, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, SymbolicInteractionism, Social Constructionism, Intersectionality, Cultural Studies, andPhenomenology. Drawing on the insights provided by these theoreticalframeworks, this paper will delve into the text to reveal the intricatesociocultural, political, and psychological aspects of the characters and theirinteractions. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study seeks tounravel the intricate relationships, power dynamics, and societal structuresdepicted in "Draupadi." Through this exploration, it aims to provide acomprehensive understanding of the text, offering fresh perspectives andinsights that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.