The story revolves around a tribal woman named Dopdi Mejhen who is a member of the Santhal tribe in West Bengal. Here we have provided Draupadi by Mahasweta Devi questions and answers:
Table of Contents
- The central theme of the short story “Draupadi” by Mahasweta Devi
- Q: Who is the protagonist of the story “Draupadi”?
- Q: What issues does Mahasweta Devi address in the story “Draupadi”?
- What is the summary of “Draupadi” by Mahasweta Devi?
- Who is surja sahu?
- the main protagonist of Mahasweta Devi’s short story “Draupadi”
The central theme of the short story “Draupadi” by Mahasweta Devi
The central theme of the short story “Draupadi” by Mahasweta Devi is the oppression and exploitation of tribal women in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal. The story is a powerful indictment of the patriarchal and caste-based society in India and its impact on the lives of marginalized communities, specifically tribal women.
The story revolves around a tribal woman named Dopdi Mejhen who is a member of the Santhal tribe in West Bengal. Dopdi is portrayed as a strong and fearless woman who defies the patriarchal norms of her society and refuses to submit to the oppression and exploitation of upper-caste men. She is also a victim of sexual violence at the hands of the police who represent the upper-caste society.
The story begins with Dopdi being arrested by the police for her alleged involvement in a rebel movement against the government. Dopdi is subjected to brutal torture and sexual abuse by the police who try to extract information about the whereabouts of the rebel leaders. Despite the torture, Dopdi refuses to reveal any information and remains steadfast in her defiance.
The story then shifts to a series of flashbacks that provide a glimpse into Dopdi’s past and the circumstances that led her to become a rebel. We learn that Dopdi was married off at a young age to an abusive husband and was forced to work as a bonded labourer in the fields of the upper-caste landlords. Dopdi was subjected to sexual abuse by her landlord and his men, which led her to join the rebel movement.
Through Dopdi’s story, Mahasweta Devi highlights the plight of tribal women who are at the receiving end of patriarchal and caste-based oppression in India. The story also sheds light on the double marginalization faced by tribal women who are not only oppressed by the upper-caste society but also by their own men who often perpetuate the same oppression.
In conclusion, “Draupadi” is a powerful and poignant story that exposes the harsh reality of the lives of tribal women in India. The story highlights the need for a social and cultural transformation in India that can put an end to patriarchal and caste-based oppression and ensure the empowerment and dignity of marginalized communities, especially women.
Q: Who is the protagonist of the story “Draupadi”?
The protagonist of the story is Dopdi Mejhen, a tribal woman who has faced numerous hardships in her life.
Q: What issues does Mahasweta Devi address in the story “Draupadi”?
Mahasweta Devi sheds light on the issues of caste, gender, and class-based oppression that are still prevalent in modern India. Q: What is the message conveyed through the story “Draupadi”? A: The story highlights the resilience and strength of women like Dopdi, who continue to fight against injustice and discrimination, and encourages the reader to reflect on the issues of social injustice and inequality in modern society.
What is the summary of “Draupadi” by Mahasweta Devi?
Draupadi” is a short story by Mahasweta Devi that tells the story of a woman named Dopdi Mejhen who is wanted by the police for her involvement in the murder of Surja Sahu. Dopdi and her husband Dulna managed to escape capture during an attack by Special Forces and went underground. Dopdi is now on the run and walking through the forest, hearing her name being called by someone following her. She decides to lead the cop following her to the burning ghat. However, she is apprehended and taken to a camp where she is raped multiple times. The story ends with Dopdi standing up against her oppressors, refusing to drink the water they give her and tearing the cloth they give her with her teeth.
Who is surja sahu?
Surja Sahu is mentioned in the given text as the person who was murdered by Dopdi Mejhen and her husband Dulna Majhi, who is described as the main culprit in the murder. Surja Sahu was a corrupt landowner who, according to the text, had ties to the police and moneylenders. The murder of Surja Sahu and his sons is what led to Dopdi and Dulna becoming wanted fugitives, and the text mentions that they went underground to escape capture.
the main protagonist of Mahasweta Devi’s short story “Draupadi”
Draupadi is the main protagonist of Mahasweta Devi’s short story “Draupadi”. She is a tribal woman who lives in a small village in India. She is a strong and courageous woman who is determined to fight against injustice and oppression.
Draupadi’s character is shaped by her experiences of being marginalized and oppressed. She is a victim of social injustice and discrimination, as she belongs to a lower caste and is a tribal woman. Her life is characterized by poverty, hunger, and exploitation, and she is forced to work as a labourer in the fields to survive.
Despite these challenges, Draupadi is a fighter who refuses to give up. She is shown as a woman who has the courage to stand up against oppression and violence. Draupadi refuses to accept their injustice and takes up the fight for justice.
She becomes the leader of the protest movement, rallying the other marginalized people in her village to fight against the oppressors. Her fight for justice becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed people in her village, and she is admired by many for her courage and determination.
Draupadi is a powerful representation of the struggle of marginalized women in India. Her character is a reflection of the harsh realities of life for many women in rural India who face discrimination, poverty, and violence. Through her story, Mahasweta Devi portrays the strength and resilience of women like Draupadi who refuse to be silenced and fight for justice and equality.
