The Role of the Female Image in Modern Indian Literature

Abstract

The evolving representation of women in modern Indian literature reflects the socio-cultural transitions that have shaped contemporary Indian society. This paper explores how female characters have moved beyond the traditional archetypes of submissive wives, ideal mothers, or romantic heroines to become powerful symbols of resistance, identity, and transformation. Through the works of authors such as Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Kamala Das, the study reveals a shift in narrative focus—from women being passive subjects to active agents confronting patriarchy, societal constraints, and internal conflicts. These writers employ diverse literary strategies, including stream-of-consciousness, metaphor, and symbolic imagery, to give voice to women’s personal, emotional, and psychological experiences. The paper also highlights how themes such as migration, sexual autonomy, marital dissatisfaction, and cultural hybridity are used to present more authentic and multifaceted female characters. By critically analyzing these texts, this study aims to demonstrate how modern Indian literature both reflects and challenges established gender norms, contributing to a broader feminist discourse in postcolonial literature.