Societal Reflections through Gender Lens: An Examination of Kamala and Kanyadaan

Abstract

Vijay Tendulkar’s plays Kamala and Kanyadaan serve as powerful critiques of societal structures through the lens of gender inequality. This paper examines how Tendulkar employs these works to reflect the systemic oppression, exploitation, and marginalization faced by women in Indian society. In Kamala, the protagonist Jaisingh Jadav exploits both his wife Sarita and Kamala, an uneducated tribal woman, for personal and professional gain, exposing the dehumanization of women within patriarchal institutions such as marriage and journalism. Similarly, Kanyadaan explores the intersections of caste and gender, depicting the struggles of Jyoti, a Brahmin woman who marries a Dalit man, Arun, only to confront domestic violence and societal backlash. Both plays highlight the transformation of female characters from passive victims to assertive individuals, challenging societal norms. Through a feminist critique, this study underscores the persistence of gender deformity, caste hierarchies, and institutional failures in contemporary India. The analysis reveals Tendulkar’s vision of societal reform, advocating for equality and justice. By dissecting themes of subordination, emancipation, and resilience, this paper contributes to understanding the intersectional dynamics of gender, caste, and power in modern Indian drama.