Women and Power in Indu Sundaresans The Twentieth Wife

Name of Author : S P Shrimathi, Dr. G Princely Grace

Abstract: The position of women all over the world is considered secondary even if they are equally qualified and talented as men. A few centuries back the position of women might be even worse as per the history. Though women are restricted and considered as second sex, they play a vital role in leading the families. Women who are born into royal families enjoy many advantages and luxuries, while everyday women face a lot of challenges. This shows us how power and opportunities can vary greatly for women in different situations. It is true that women have historically faced discrimination and been excluded from positions of authority, it is evident that some historical women have shown their value and left a lasting legacy. It is eerily similar to the Mughal dynasty, initially headed by Emperor Babur. Indu Sundaresan discusses the eras of Akbar and Jahangir in her novel The Twentieth Wife, portraying the difficulties encountered by regular women in the Patriarchal society. While this was going on, ladies in the royal family employed power as a strategy to subdue domination. In particular, two of the women in the book blindfolded their Emperors with the veil of Love. In this article, the researcher goes over the assertion of Mughal royal women, their tactics and the inability of ordinary womens circumstances and unfortunate status as portrayed in Indu Sundaresans The Twentieth Wife.

Keywords : Mughal Dynasty, Power, Politics, Royal Women.

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