Vulnerable and Victimized: The Problems and Challenges of Women in Post-independence India as explored in V.S. Naipaul’s India: A Million Mutinies Now (1990)

Name of Author : Ishan Asheshkumar Bhavsar

Abstract:  Indian society is patriarchal in nature wherein the women have never been treated as a complete human being and at par with their male counterparts. Thanks to modern education, urbanization and democratic processes in postcolonial, Indian society has been undergoing a rapid transformation. The shackles of patriarchy are slowly loosening and women are breaking free of the constraining conventions and gendered stereotypes. The women are moving out of the margins in pursuit of desire and self-identity, entering into the jobs, industries, and institutions. The New Women now appear be more conscious of their abilities, rights and responsibilities, and dignity. However, in spite of womens improved opportunities and empowerment, women continue to face gender discrimination and gender inequality. The present paper attempts to analyze the problems and challenges of women in post-independence India as discussed in V.S. Naipauls India: A Million Mutinies Now (1990), his third and final travelogue on India.

Keywords : Women, Patriarchy, Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harrasement, Post-independence India

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