Empowering Narratives: Mahasweta Devi's Influence on Indian Literature and Theatre through Draupadi and Bayen

Abstract

Mahashweta Devi has left a lasting mark on Indian Theatre and Literature with works similar to ‘Darupadi’ and
‘Bayen’. These works of hers give a fascinating insight into the lives of castaway women. Devi’s stories illustrate the
harsh truths for women, specifically for the marginalized women and are more than just mere entertainment. Devi
combats conventional social morals and sheds light on the strength and independence of women during the difficulties
and pain, by weaving complex literature with rich depth and strong feminine characters. Words by Mahashweta Devi
inversely fasten, enlighten and induce pontification in both forms of performances. Devi forces us to acknowledge the
uncomfortable truths about our realistically formatted world in the way she scrutinises controversial topics, such as
social shafts, exploitation and gender violence. By publishing stories on similar topics, Devi puts the voices of those, who
we constantly don’t hear on visible platforms – leading to mass negligence of that sector of our social construct. This
movement of hers created a mindful and structured discussion around these issues. Her words inversely fasten, enlighten
and induce pontification in both platforms. Devi forces us to come to terms of acknowledgement with the uncomfortable
truths about our world in the way she scrutinizes controversial subjects such as social shafts, exploitation and gender
violence. By publishing such stories, she puts the voices of those we usually ignore on high rise platforms helping in
shining light on the plight of these women.