Rukmani as a Larger than Life Figure in Kamala Markandaya’s Nectar in a Sieve

Abstract

A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong. Women have significant place in Kamala Markandaya’s novels.  Her protagonists possess life-affirming qualities. By making them central characters of her novels, she has highlighted their roles in present-day world. Being a women novelist, Kamala Markandaya has brought mostly women characters into being. She breathes life in her women characters. Kamala shows her sagacity in launching female characters as her protagonists. The aim of writing this research paper is to highlight Rukmani’s character the protagonist in Nectar in a Sieve. Rukmani is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. She is both practical and spiritual. A strong message which Rukmani gives in Nectar in a Sieve is that one must have faith in life. Faith is a great sustain power with which one, like Rukmani in the novel, can brave any hardship or misfortunes and even draw ‘nectar in a sieve’.