INTRODUCTION:

The depiction of women's struggle and power has been an important theme in Indian prose literature. From ancient times to the modern era, women in Indian society have faced social, economic, political and cultural challenges at various levels. These struggles have been widely described in the literature, where the woman is presented not only as an exploited character but also as a powerful personality who brings about change in society through her power and self-determination.

Hindi prose literature—including novels, stories, essays, and autobiographies—explores various aspects of women's life. Writers and writers like Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Amrita Pritam, Krishna Sobti, Mannu Bhandari, and Shivani have given a special place to the social status of women, their self-reliance, struggle, and empowerment in their literature. In their literature, women are not only bound by traditions, but over time they emerge as a force to change their rights and change in society.

This research paper will analyse the depiction of women's struggle and power in Indian prose. It will see how literature has presented the complexities of women's lives, their pains, struggles and victories. At the same time, this study will also throw light on the extent to which the changing nature of women in literature has affected women's empowerment in society.

Historical Perspective of the Position of Women in Indian Prose:

In the early period of Indian literature, the portrayal of women was mainly limited to traditional roles. She was presented as an ideal wife, mother, daughter and sacrificial woman. But with time, the role of women in literature widened and her struggle and her self-reliance were presented more vividly.

The social struggle of women gained prominence in Premchand's novels, where characters like Dhania in Godaan and Jalpa in "Gaban" broke traditional boundaries and moved towards self-determination and self-respect. At the same time, Mahadevi Verma, Shivani, Mannu Bhandari, Krishna Sobti, Amrita Pritam and other writers gave new dimensions to the struggle and power of women in their prose literature.

The Status of Women in Ancient Times:

In ancient Indian society, women had a respectable place. In the Vedic period, women had the right to education, freedom and to participate in religious rituals. He made significant contributions not only to the household but also to various fields of society. For example, the Rig Veda mentions Vidushis such as Gargi and Maitreyi, who participated in philosophical discussions.

However, in the post-Vedic period (during the time of Mahabharata and Ramayana), the status of women began to decline. The social structure became more patriarchal, and many kinds of restrictions were imposed on women. In texts such as Manusmriti, women were preached to be subservient to men. The institution of marriage became more rigid, and practices such as child marriage, sati pratha, and purdah system began to prevail.

Feminine in Medieval Indian Literature:

In the medieval period (Rajput period and Mughal period) the status of women became more limited. During this period, due to wars and foreign invasions, there was a greater concern about the safety of women in society, which led to evils like the purdah system and sati system. Women were deprived of education and freedom during this period.

However, during the Bhakti movement, the saint poetesses made significant contributions towards empowering the status of women. During this period, saint poets like Meerabai, Sahajobai, Daya Bai, and Bahinabai broke social barriers and made their independent identities. He expressed the spirit of women's emancipation, devotion and self-reliance through his compositions.

From the point of view of prose literature, there was not much writing about the status of women in this period, because this era was mainly poetic. But in folklore, sagas and religious literature, different forms of women found their place.

Modern Period: Colonial Era and Renaissance (19th century):

During the colonial period, many social reform movements were started in Indian society, which attempted to improve the condition of women. During this period, social reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Gandhi launched movements for women's education, widow remarriage and prohibition of child marriage.¹

During this period, Hindi prose developed and there was a new consciousness in prose literature about the status of women.

· In the novels of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, women were portrayed as sacrificial, patriotic and religious.

· Bhartendu Harishchandra emphasized the need for women's education and independence in his writings.

· Premchand focused on the struggle of women in his novels and depicted their self-respect and empowerment. For example, characters like the tragedy of the dowry system in "Nirmala", and Dhania in "Godaan" stand up against social injustice.

Freedom Struggle and Women's Empowerment (20th Century)

The role of women became more important during the freedom struggle. Indian women at this time showed active participation in social, political and cultural movements. This change was also clearly visible in the literature.

· Mahadevi Varma portrayed the struggle of women and the power hidden within them in her stories and essays.

· Amrita Pritam's "Pinjar" was a heart-touching portrayal of the tragedy of Partition and the position of women in it.

· Works like Krishna Sobti's "Mitro Marjani" and Mannu Bhandari's "Aapka Bunty" depicted the freedom of the modern woman and its complexities.

· After independence, women's discourse became more pronounced, focusing on women's rights, their identities and their freedom.

The Position of the Woman in Contemporary Indian Prose (21st Century):

Today's Indian prose literature presents the condition of women in a more realistic and empowering way. Now women are not just victims characters, they are struggling to make their own identity.²

· Contemporary writers like Gitanjali Shree, Anamika, and Maitreyi Pushpa are openly expressing the aspirations of women, their desires and struggles.

· Mahasweta Devi's stories effectively depict the struggles of tribal and working-class women.

· Feminist ideology is also being given prominence in contemporary literature through TV, web series and cinema.

In contemporary prose literature, women are no longer just going to bear the oppression of the patriarchal society, but they are emerging as independent and self-reliant women struggling for their rights and existence.

Various Aspects of Women's Struggle and Power in Indian Prose Literature:

The struggle and power of women have been a major theme in Indian prose literature. Literature portrays various aspects of the life of a woman, where she is not only an exploited character in a male-dominated society but also becomes a carrier of social change through her power, self-reliance and struggle.

The struggle and power of women in Indian prose literature can be seen in the following major aspects:

Social Conflict:

Indian society has traditionally been patriarchal, where women had to face many types of social restrictions and stereotypes. In prose literature, the social struggle of women is depicted in various forms:

Child Marriage and Dowry System: The Struggle of Women in Indian Prose Literature:

In Indian society, women have fought against many social evils and stereotypes, in which child marriage and the dowry system have been two major problems. These two evil practices not only hamper women's right to self-determination but also limit their mental, physical and social development. Indian prose literature has delved deep into these themes and effectively presented the struggle and power of women.

Child Marriage: A Social Curse and Its Portrayal in Literature:

The problem of child marriage:

Child marriage has been a serious problem in Indian society since ancient times. Under this practice, minor girls were married, which deprived them of their childhood, education and independence. This tradition was particularly prevalent in rural society, where families would marry off their daughters at an early age due to social prestige, economic security, and caste rules.³

effects of child marriage:

Effects on Physical and Mental Development:

Due to marriage at a young age, the physical and mental development of girls is stunted.

Maternal and infant mortality rates increase due to maternal and infant mortality at an early age.⁴

Decline of Education and Self-Reliance:

Due to child marriage, the education of girls remains incomplete, due to which they are not able to become self-sufficient.

All their lives are spent on household chores and family responsibilities.

Emotional and Social Harassment:

Due to being married at a young age, girls have to live a life against their choices and desires.

Due to family and social restrictions, they are unable to raise their voice for their rights.

Portrayal of Child Marriage in Indian Prose Literature:

Premchand's "Nirmala"

This novel by Premchand exposes the ill effects of child marriage.

In this, the heroine Nirmala is married to an old man, which fills her life with sorrow.

The large age difference between husband and wife creates inequality and dissatisfaction in their relationship.⁵

The novel highlights how social evils can make a woman's life miserable.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Binder Chele"

The ill effects of child marriage are poignantly portrayed in this novel.

This work depicts how a girl has to face social humiliation due to child marriage and her life is filled with struggles.

Works of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay

In his literature too, the suffering and social injustice caused to women due to child marriage has been deeply engraved.

Rabindranath Tagore's "Stree Patra"

It depicts the helpless condition of women due to child marriage.

The protagonist Mrunal sheds light on the adverse effects of child marriage through her life experiences.

Dowry System: A Challenge Against Women's Dignity and Freedom

The problem with the dowry system

The Dowry system is a very bad practice in Indian society, in which the bride's side has to give money, jewellery, land, vehicles, etc. to the groom's side at the time of marriage. This practice hampers the dignity, independence and self-reliance of women and presents them as an economic burden.

Ill-effects of the dowry system:

Tendency to consider women as an economic burden:

· Due to dowry, the girl is considered a burden on the family from birth.

· This necessitated the implementation of schemes like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao".

Domestic Violence and Harassment due to Dowry:

· Many women are victims of mental and physical harassment due to the non-fulfilment of dowry demands.

· The incidents of dowry deaths and suicides in India continue even today.

Impact on Women's Education and Independence:

· Many families do not want to spend on girls' education to raise dowry.

· This hampers the self-sufficiency of the woman and she remains male-dependent.

Illustration of the dowry system in Indian prose literature

Premchand's "Nirmala"

· In this novel, the ill effects caused by the dowry system have been shown effectively.

· Nirmala is married to an old man because her parents cannot afford dowry.

· This novel clearly shows that the lives of so many women become dark due to the dowry system.

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

· It highlights the plight of women in the institution of marriage, where women are mentally exploited due to dowry and other social evils.

Ashapurna Devi's "Pratham Pratishruti"

· This novel presents the story of a woman's struggle against the dowry system and social restrictions.

· It shows how a woman creates her own independent identity by opposing these evils.

Mahadevi Varma's "Chain of Links"

· It is a scathing attack on the dowry system and shows how the rights of women have been limited by this practice.

Purdah System and Orthodox Traditions: The Struggle of Women in Indian Prose Literature:

In Indian society, the purdah system and conservative traditions have been the biggest obstacles to the independent existence and development of women. While the purdah system tended to isolate women from social life, conservative traditions were a means to keep them second-class citizens in a male-dominated society. Indian prose literature has raised both these issues prominently and has portrayed the struggle and power of women.

Purdah system: Constraints on women's social freedom:

Background of the Purdah System:

· The practice of purdah originated mainly in medieval India when women were confined to the four walls of the house in the name of their protection from external invasions.

· Gradually, this practice became a tradition in society and became a medium to curb the freedom of women.⁶

· Women were forced to wear niqab when they left the home, keep their heads bowed before men, and have limited participation in public life.

Disadvantages of the purdah system

Decline of Education and Freedom:

· Women were deprived of education and social activities due to the purdah system.

· They were limited to household chores and their chances of becoming self-sufficient were lost.

Violation of Women's Social Identity:

· The purdah system reduced women to mere family property, preventing them from developing their identities.

· She was seen only as a wife, mother or daughter-in-law, not as an independent personality.⁷

Nurturing a Male-Dominated Mindset:

· Men came to believe that women's place was only in the home and that they should have no connection with the outside world.

· This violated women's rights and limited their freedom of decision-making.

Illustration of the purdah system in Indian prose literature

Rabindranath Tagore's "Stree Patra"

· In this famous work, the heroine Mrinal writes a letter to her husband expressing her oppression and the agony of living under the veil.

· She criticizes the male-dominated society, saying that women can also think, make decisions and lead independent lives.

Munshi Premchand's "Embezzlement"

● This novel shows the struggle of women and how women are not able to raise their voices in society due to the purdah system.

● The heroine Jalpa searches for freedom in her life and attempts to break the shackles of society.

Ismat Chughtai's "Lihaaf"

● This story highlights the tendency of women to suppress their sexual desires under the purdah system.

● The heroine's suffering puts a society in the dock where women are not allowed to live freely.

Amrita Pritam's "Pinjar"

● This novel shows the position of women in the backdrop of partition.

● The struggle of the protagonist Puro shows how women have to fight for their existence due to the conservative traditions of society.

Conservative Traditions: Restricting Women's Rights:

Characteristics of Orthodox Traditions:

● There have been many traditions in Indian society that have been denying equality and freedom to women.⁸

● These include practices such as sati pratha, child marriage, widow harassment, dowry system and lack of education.

● Through these traditions, women were taught that their primary role was to serve only men and maintain the prestige of the family.

The effects of conservative traditions:

Violation of Women's Rights:

● Women were deprived of the rights to education, employment and independent decision-making.

● Their desires, aspirations and dreams were confined, according to the rules of society.

Social Backwardness:

● When half the population is deprived of their rights, the entire society lags in the race for development.

● Women's participation in social, political and economic spheres decreased due to conservative traditions.

Restriction on Women's Self-Reliance:

● Women were prevented from becoming financially self-sufficient so they remained dependent on men.

● This dependency became the main reason for their exploitation.

Portrait of Orthodox Traditions in Indian Prose Literature

Stories of Mahasweta Devi

● She prominently highlighted the struggles of tribal and Dalit women in her literature.

● Her works showed how women fight for their rights by fighting stereotypes.

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

● It shows that in society, a woman is seen only as a wife and mother, while she has no identity of her own.

Maitreyi Pushpa's "Chalk"

● This novel is the story of a woman who fights for her existence by breaking the traditions of society.

Ashapurna Devi's "Pratham Pratishruti"

● This novel is the story of a girl who establishes her identity by colliding with the stereotypes of society.

Caste and Class Discrimination: The Struggle and Power of Women in Indian Prose Literature:

Caste and class discrimination in Indian society has not only been a historical fact, but it manifests itself in many forms even today. Casteism and class discrimination have posed different challenges for women in Indian society. The caste system and class divisions affected the lives of women in various ways, as a result of which she had to face oppression not only because of her gender but also based on caste and class. Indian prose literature has portrayed these issues in a very deep way, where voices have been raised against these evils of society through the struggle and power of women.

The Struggle of Racism and Women:

Definition and Effects of Casteism:

Casteism in India is a social system in which society is divided into castes, and each caste has to play its assigned role. The system was traditionally divided into categories such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, and limited women according to their ethnic place of birth.

The impact of racism on women

Lack of Equality:

· Women faced discrimination according to their ethnic location. Upper-caste women were relatively more independent, while lower-caste women faced a double problem—they were exploited based on both gender and caste.

Physical Abuse:

● Casteism also led to increased physical abuse of women, especially Dalit and Scheduled Caste women. They were always humiliated and had control over their desires, rights, and bodies.

Lack of Education:

● Due to casteism, women of the lower castes were deprived of education, which prevented their mental and intellectual growth.

Portrayal of Casteism in Indian Prose Literature

Ashapurna Devi's "Pratham Pratishruti"

● In this novel, the heroine Jasodha 's struggle is against casteism. She is a low-caste girl, but with her hard work and dedication, she makes her mark in society.

● This novel rejects caste-based discrimination and shows that the value of a person is not determined only by his caste but by his ability and karma.

Compositions of Bhimrao Ambedkar

● Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote many important works for the rights of Dalits and women. His works cast an important shadow of casteism and the struggle against it.

● Ambedkar raised his voice against the exploitation of Dalit women and their social inequality and spoke about protecting their rights.

Mayaram's "Path to Liberation"

● The novel portrays the story of a Dalit woman who was a victim of casteism and exploitation. The journey of hero liberation symbolizes the move from a casteist society to freedom.⁹

Class-based discrimination and women's struggle

Definition and Effect of Class Discrimination

Classification is the social and economic inequality that arises in the lives of people based on their economic status, workplace and social status. The women of the upper class enjoyed certain privileges and freedoms, while the women of the lower classes were more vulnerable to exploitation and oppression.

Effect of class discrimination on women

Economic Inequality:

● Upper-class women enjoyed more freedom and resources, while lower-class women were economically backward and had a more difficult lifestyle.

● They had to do strenuous physical labour to earn wages, which negatively affected their health and mental peace.

Physical and Mental Harassment:

● Lower-class women were more prone to physical abuse, domestic violence and mental abuse. They always felt insecure.

● The women of the upper class were busy with their social responsibilities, but the women of the lower class were victims of exploitation and remained unaware of their real situation.

Lack of Sensitivity and Equality:

● Women of the lower classes in society were not always allowed to move out of their place, and they did not have full knowledge of their rights.

● Upper-class women sometimes got privileges, but lower-class women had to fight for their basic rights.

Portrayal of class-based discrimination in Indian prose literature

Premchand's "Godaan"

● In this novel, Premchand has portrayed the realities of rural life, where the gulf between the upper and lower classes is very deep.

● Hori and his wife Dhania are the characters of the lower class, who are victims of social and economic exploitation. His struggle has been presented very poignantly by Premchand.

Banwarilal Chaudhary's "Elite Society"

● This novel depicts the discrimination and struggles in the lives of the upper class and lower class.

● Despite the special rights of upper-class women within elite society, their internal discontent and exploitation conditions have been exposed.

Jawaharlal Nehru's "Discovery of Gandhiji"

● Nehru presented Mahatma Gandhi's vision in which he spoke of the struggle against class discrimination and casteism in society.

● Gandhiji especially talked about protecting the rights of women, so that they can benefit equally from all sections.

Economic Struggle and Self-Reliance: Women's Struggle and Power in Indian Prose Literature:

The journey of women's economic struggle and self-reliance in Indian society has been a long and difficult path. Traditionally in Indian society, women were considered responsible for home care, family service and family duties, while men were considered to be managers of working and economic affairs in the outside world. Despite this, Indian prose literature has, from time to time, presented deep images of women's economic struggle and self-reliance, showing that an important aspect of a woman's struggle and her power is her economic independence.

Economic Struggle: Oppression and Resistance of Women:

Economic Inequality and the Status of Women

● The economic condition of women in Indian society has always been poor and neglected. Traditionally, women who took charge of the household were excluded from economic decisions.

● While men enjoyed independence in the social and economic spheres, women faced enormous difficulties in terms of their economic status.

● For women, it was a struggle to achieve economic independence, and in this struggle, her social status and family pressures came to the fore.

Consequences of economic conflict:

Lack of Freedom:

● Being financially dependent not only lacked personal freedom but also had difficulty in making their own decisions.

● Their desires and aspirations were often suppressed due to family pressures and social norms.

Deterioration in Social Status:

● If women tried to work outside their homes or engage in any business, they faced social humiliation and criticism.

● A financially independent woman was often viewed from a negative point of view in society.

Portrait of Economic Struggle in Indian Prose Literature

Premchand's "Godaan"

● Premchand not only presented the economic struggle of the peasantry in Godaan but also portrayed the economic struggle of the women through characters like Dhaniya and Hori.

● Dhania, who works hard with her husband because of her need for power and economic dependence, is the main reason for her struggle.

● In this novel, Premchand showed that unless a woman is financially self-reliant, she cannot fully establish her identity in society and family.

Shivani's "Krishnakali"

● In Shivani's story, Krishnakali is a woman who takes responsibility for her family despite financial struggles.

● She tries to make herself financially self-reliant to improve the condition of the family and see herself with respect.

● The importance of self-reliance and economic independence is portrayed in Krishnakali's struggle.

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

● The novel prominently depicts the heroine's desires and struggles towards her financial independence.

● The heroine has decided to work outside her home, but her struggle is met with criticism from society and family.

● This novel tells that women have to struggle for their economic rights not only from the family but also from society.

Self-Reliance: Women's Power and Freedom

Importance of Self-Reliance

● Self-reliance is not limited to economic independence, but it is also a symbol of mental and physical freedom.

● When a woman is financially self-sufficient, she is not only responsible for the well-being of her family but also plays an important role in society.

● An independent woman is independent in her decisions and can fulfil her life objectives.

Women's struggle towards self-reliance

Need for Economic Security:

● For women, achieving self-sufficiency is a struggling process, in which the biggest factor is economic security.

● In Indian prose literature, women's struggles are often associated with economic security and the ability to make independent decisions.

Overcoming Social Barriers:

● There are various traditional barriers for women in society, which hinder them in their journey to become self-sufficient.

● For example, upper-class women also struggle to work outside the accepted roles of society, while lower-class women struggle with their economic struggles in everyday life.

Portrait of Self-Reliance in Indian Prose Literature

Suryakanta Tripathi's 'Nirala' "Poetry-Renaissance"

● Nirala expressed the need for women to become self-reliant in his poems and prose writings.

● He inspired women to stand up strongly in society and raise their voices so that they could become self-reliant.

"Nashni" of Rabindranath Tagore (Rabindranath Tagore)

● In Nashti, the protagonist Madhavi struggles for her financial and mental independence.

● She strives to break out of the pressures of her family and society and this novel symbolizes the steps of women towards self-reliance.

Simone de Bouvre's "Women and Society"

● This work may be a part of Western literature, but it can be considered important from the point of view of women's self-sufficiency in Indian prose literature.

● Simone de Bouvre spoke of a woman's struggle for independence and self-sufficiency to come out of mental struggles and family structures.

Family Conflict and Personal Freedom: The Struggle and Power of Women in Indian Prose Literature:

There is a deep link between family life and personal freedom in Indian society. Family conflict is the social and emotional pressure under which women struggle with family responsibilities, expectations, and limitations. At the same time, personal freedom means the freedom to live life according to one's decisions, desires and aspirations. Indian prose literature portrays the struggle and power of a woman through this complex duality, where on the one hand she is bound by family duties, on the other hand, her self-reliance and desire for personal freedom drive her to go beyond the family boundaries.

Family Conflicts: Women's Pressure and Constrainment

Family Pressures and the Role of Women

The role of women in the family structure in Indian society has traditionally been that of a 'paramount protector' and 'facilitator'. Women are involved in all the working aspects of the home – taking care of the house, raising children, caring for the elderly, and supporting the husband. In all of these roles, a woman often has difficulty experiencing her identity and independence.

Social Expectations and Domestic Animals:

● There are expectations of 'sacrifice' from women in family life. They are asked to suppress their desires and aspirations for the good of the family.

● Bound by the traditional responsibilities given by society and family, a woman never feels her independence or self-reliance.

Lack of equal rights:

● Women are not involved in family decisions, and they need permission from family and society for their decisions. This often puts them in family conflicts, where they feel suppressed.

Portrayal of family conflict in Indian prose literature:

Premchand's "Godaan"

● Premchand's famous novel "Godaan" is a perfect example of family conflict and social pressure. In this novel, characters like Dhaniya and Hori are burdened with family responsibilities, but they aspire for their independence.

● Dhania, who is busy juggling the financial responsibilities of the household, always has aspirations and desires suppressed. Her position becomes a symbol of the woman's family struggle, where she struggles to strike a balance between the desires of society and the family.

Shivani's "Krishnakali"

● The heroine's family struggle in Shivani's novel "Krishnakali" shows the link between her desires and family expectations.

● Krishnakali, who is the responsible woman of a family, struggles for her freedom despite the pressure of her family, so that she can save her identity and independence while taking care of her family.

Rahul sankrityayan's "Journey"

● The novel deeply portrays the family conflicts of the hero and heroine, where the heroine faces a confrontation between her family duties and personal aspirations.

● The heroine has to struggle to achieve her personal goals, despite the pressure of family expectations and traditional responsibilities.

Personal Freedom: Women's Struggle to Become Self-Reliant

The Desire for Freedom and Its Path

A woman's freedom is not only linked to her social rights and decision-making capacity but it is also related to her spiritual and mental freedom. Battling family responsibilities, a woman struggles to achieve personal freedom and the goal of her life.

The need for self-sufficiency

● The biggest aspect of a woman's independence is her self-reliance. When a woman is financially independent, she is free to overcome family conflicts and fulfil her desires and aspirations.

● In this struggle, the family's limitations and expectations not only prevent her, but she also struggles for her own identity.

Moving Towards Freedom:

● Indian prose literature has presented the steps towards the independence of the woman, where she strives for her self-reliance and social independence along with fulfilling family responsibilities.

● Often it is shown as an internal conflict, where the woman has to balance between her own life and family obligations.

Portrayal of Personal Freedom in Indian Prose Literature

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

● "Aap Ka Bunty" depicts the personal struggles of the heroine, who attempts to strike a balance between her family's responsibilities and personal freedom.

● The heroine's struggle shows that a woman not only has to struggle to stand as an independent personality in society, but she also has to live up to the expectations of her family.

Compositions of Bhimrao Ambedkar

● Babasaheb Ambedkar has presented many of his views on women's rights, including important views on family conflict and freedom.

● Ambedkar talked about giving equal places and rights to women in society along with their family obligations so that they can realize their freedom.

Krishna sobti's "Mitti Ka Darwaza"

● In this novel, the heroine overcomes her family struggles and social barriers and takes steps towards becoming self-sufficient.

● She struggles towards her self-esteem and independence despite family responsibilities, which empowers her mentally and physically.

Political and Social Empowerment: The Struggle and Power of Women in Indian Prose Literature

The political and social empowerment of women in Indian society is linked to historical, cultural and economic contexts. Traditionally women were excluded from the external and public life of society, but over time Indian prose literature has taken up this conflict prominently. The picture of the political and social empowerment of women in Indian prose literature not only symbolizes her physical and mental strength but also reflects her struggle for rights and freedom.

Political Empowerment: Women's Struggle for Participation in Society

Struggle for political rights.

In Indian prose literature, the political empowerment of women represents the struggle for equal rights in society. Women in India were not only deprived of basic rights like voting rights in the early stages, but they were also not considered to play any powerful role in politics and society.

Struggle for suffrage:

· Women in India did not have the right to vote earlier. This right was given to women after independence in 1947, but it required a long struggle.

· Indian prose literature has prominently portrayed this struggle, where women raised their political voice and the struggle of women associated with the freedom struggle was given space.

Women's Active Contribution:

· The contribution of women to the Indian freedom struggle was historically significant and continued to be portrayed in Indian prose literature.

· For example, women like Sarala Thakur, Supriya Devi, and Kumudini Devi showed their active participation in the freedom struggle and for this, their struggle and sacrifice were presented in literary works.

· Along with this, writers like Premchand portrayed the participation of women in society and politics through female characters in his works.

Literary portrait of political rights

Premchand's "Godaan"

· Through characters such as Dhaniya and Hori in Premchand's "Godaan", Premchand portrayed the struggles of Indian society, as well as women's rights and political awareness.

· Dhania, who is busy with household chores, has been made conscious of her political rights, and this literary work carries an important message that women need political awareness and empowerment.

Shivani's "Krishnakali"

· In this novel, Krishnakali is the struggle of the female protagonist for social and political rights. Krishnakali has risen above her family obligations and tried to play her role in society and politics.

· This novel shows that a woman struggles for her rights, and her political awakening gives her a strong place in her society.

Social Empowerment: Upliftment of Women's Social Status and Rights

Social inequality and women's struggle:

The social status of women in India has traditionally been marginalized. Their place in the family and society was always limited, and they were often kept in the four walls of the house. Women came out of it and struggled tremendously to improve their social status. Issues of social inequality and casteism were prominent in this struggle, and Indian prose literature has taken up this struggle prominently for the social empowerment of women.

Social Inequality and Women's Voice:

· Women had to face social inequality, casteism, and cultural barriers, and they had to struggle for their freedom not only inside the home but also outside.

· This struggle of women in Indian prose literature has been prominently portrayed in many works, where she comes out of social pressures and struggles to get respect and equal rights in society.

Trying to get out of the traditional duties of marriage and family

· Indian prose literature has repeatedly shown the struggle of women to break out of family traditions and conservative thinking. In particular, women raised their voices against social evils such as child marriage, the dowry system, and the purdah system.

· Indian prose literature not only narrated the struggles of women but also showed what steps were taken to give equal place to women in society.¹⁰

Portrayal of Social Empowerment in Indian Prose Literature

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

· The struggle of the female protagonist in this novel is not only to come out of the pressures of family and society, but she also raises her voice for her social rights.

· The heroine fights for her self-respect, and this novel shows that women should get equal rights in society.

Compositions of Bhimrao Ambedkar

· Babasaheb Ambedkar has given deep thought to the social and political rights of women in Indian prose literature. Her works depict the struggles for women's equal rights and empowerment.

· Ambedkar pushed women for educational rights, social equality, and political participation and his ideas gave a new direction to the status of women in Indian society.

Works by Sarika and Krishna Sobti

· Writers like Sarika and Krishna Sobti have raised their voices through their writings for the social upliftment and empowerment of women. These writers challenged social stereotypes and made women aware of their rights.

Women's Struggle in the Context of Modernity and Globalization: The Power and Struggle of Women in Indian Prose Literature:

The effects of modernity and globalization in Indian society have redefined the life, identity and role of women. While Indian prose literature presented the struggle and power of women in traditional social structures, on the other hand, this struggle has started touching new dimensions in the context of modernity and globalization. Indian women are now having to come out of the traditional confines and fight for their existence, rights and freedom at the global level.

In this context, Indian prose literature has prominently portrayed the effects of the modern struggle of women and globalization. This conflict manifests itself in diverse forms in social, cultural, political, and economic contexts, among which issues such as women's freedom, equality in society, and self-reliance are prominent.

The Impact of Modernity: Women's Struggle for Freedom and Identity:

Change and Women's struggle with modernity

Modernity has given rise to new ideas like personal freedom, human rights, and equality in Indian society, which have also had an impact on the social and mental condition of women. Modernity has opened up avenues to ensure educational opportunities, economic freedom, and political rights for women, but it has also been seen as a breakdown of culture and an obliteration of traditional values.

Women's struggle for educational and economic independence

With modernity, educational opportunities opened up for women, and now she had the opportunity to come out of traditional household chores and make her mark. This was an important step towards self-reliance.

But in this new society, women had to constantly struggle to make their place in society. He faced constant pressure to maintain a balance between home and work life.

Place and recognition in society

Modernity gave women the ability to assert equal rights, but it was not easy to find acceptance in society.

This aspect of the woman's struggle is significant in Indian prose literature, where she struggles to move towards freedom and respect in society.

Depiction of Modernity in Indian Prose Literature

Premchand's "Godaan"

The portrayal of women's struggle in Premchand's "Godaan" oscillates between the traditional role of women and the new challenges in Indian society of that time. Characters like Coriander and Hori struggle with new ideas of modernity, despite challenging the conservative stream of society.

The coriander character in particular shows that women struggle to strike a balance between traditional household responsibilities and modern ideas.

Shivani's "Krishnakali"

Shivani's novel "Krishnakali" depicts the heroine's struggle as a sign of modernity and growing awareness of the role of women in society. Krishnakali struggles to break out of the traditional family structure and identify herself.

This novel symbolizes the struggle for mental change and freedom of women in the context of modernity.

Impact of Globalization: New Dimensions of Women's Struggle and Power

Globalization and the change in the role of women

Globalization not only connected Indian society with a global outlook but also created new opportunities for women. Along with economic opportunities, social and cultural exchange not only presented new challenges to Indian women but also inaugurated new possibilities.

Economic and professional freedom

Globalization has created new employment opportunities for women. Now women are making their mark in the workplace and becoming financially independent. This has boosted their confidence and they are strengthening their position in the family and society.

However, working women are still grappling with issues of equal pay, working conditions, and gender discrimination in the workplace.

Cultural Conflict and Acceptance

Globalization has not only given opportunities to Indian women at the international level but has also created cultural conflicts in front of them. They stick to traditional Indian values on the one hand and follow Western cultural ideals on the other.

This conflict is between women's cultural identity and individual freedom. Women face a constant challenge to maintain their identity and dignity in this struggle.¹¹

Depiction of Globalization in Indian Prose Literature

Mannu Bhandari's "Your Bunty"

In "Aap Ka Bunty", the heroine goes through her social and family struggles as well as her professional life and personal freedom. In this novel, women struggle to pave a new path in the era of globalization, assimilating their modern ideas and cultural ideals.

The heroine tries to strike a balance between her personal and workplace challenges, which define the position of women in modern society.

Krishna sobti's "Mitti Ka Darwaza"

Krishna Sobti's works, such as "Mitti Ka Darwaza", present the freedom struggle of women in the context of globalization. The novel depicts the struggles of women who challenge their traditional roles and try to embrace new roles.

The work also shows how under the influence of globalisation, women are now trying to redefine their identities and roles in different parts of the world.

CONCLUSION:

The portrayal of women in Indian prose literature has changed from time to time, but the theme of her struggles and strength has been constantly important. Especially in the traditional stream of Indian society, where women have always been seen as bound by the rules and traditions of the family and society, women have proved through their struggles that they are not only empowered but a force that can play an important role in taking society forward.

In Indian prose, the power of women is portrayed not only in physical form but also on mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The struggle of the woman has not been limited to external conflicts, but she has also empowered herself by battling the inner conflicts within herself.

Famous Indian prose writers such as Mahadevi Verma, Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala', Yashpal, Kashinath Singh, and others have deeply and comprehensively depicted the problems arising in the lives of women and their struggles. These writers highlighted the mental agony of women, social oppression, and power as a means of self-reliance.

With the increase in awareness of women's status and rights, this portrayal of women's struggle has become more clear and empowered. Women not only had to fight for their rights, but they also had to struggle to maintain a balance between family and social obligations. In Indian prose literature, the woman is presented as a symbol of the struggle to make her identity, simultaneously battling traditional and modern ideologies.

Ultimately, the portrayal of a woman's struggle and power in Indian prose not only inaugurates her problems but also shows that women have unlimited power, and can establish themselves in every situation. This depiction respects the protection of women's rights, the need for freedom and the power hidden within them. Indian prose contributes towards a positive change in society by highlighting the struggle and power of women.

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Received on 30.01.2025 Revised on 06.03.2025

Accepted on 05.04.2025 Published on 05.06.2025

Available online from June 10, 2025

Int. J. of Reviews and Res. in Social Sci. 2025; 13(2):97-110.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2687.2025.00016

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