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

Abstract

Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi"(1978) is a complex and multi-layered narrative
that offers an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary analysis. She had her
first-hand nuanced observations of the lives of the marginalized people in India,
and the perpetuated oppression and exploitation of them by the upper classes and
the state as well. “Draupadi” is one of the depictions of the aforementioned in the
form of a short story by Devi against the backdrop of Naxalite Movement and the
rebellion of the indigenous people for their rights. This paper aims to explore the
various dimensions of "Draupadi" through the lenses of Liminality and
Marginality, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic
Interactionism, Social Constructionism, Intersectionality, Cultural Studies, and
Phenomenology. Drawing on the insights provided by these theoretical
frameworks, this paper will delve into the text to reveal the intricate
sociocultural, political, and psychological aspects of the characters and their
interactions. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study seeks to
unravel the intricate relationships, power dynamics, and societal structures
depicted in "Draupadi." Through this exploration, it aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the text, offering fresh perspectives and
insights that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.