Reconsidering the Unheard Screech and The Subaltern in Mahasweta Devi’s Bayen

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to shape out the historical developments & new connotation of one of the most disputed & widely conversed concepts in post-colonial theory. The study embarks upon the present day implications of the subaltern notion. This study is intended to argue the position of women “the other” in the patriarchal society with the help of Bayen written by Mahasweta Devi, a prominent writer & social activist. The play Bayen (1976) is one of the best works through which she aims to portray the pangs of sufferings that a woman undergoes & how a woman is thrown at the margin of the society in a patriarchal system. The play demonstrates the transformation of a working class women into a public scapegoat & ultimately subaltern women with no bodily or social agony. This paper aims to discuss the very problem of “gender discrimination” which is prevalent in the male dominant society that further leads to the “question of self”. The Bengali writer & activist, Mahasweta Devi, through her plays aims to present the true picture of male dominant society & the status, the role played by woman that is nothing more than an instrument to suit the whims of the social milieu. Mahasweta Devi, through her play Bayen puts forth the false beliefs, ideologies associated with the traditional, superstitious & orthodox society, the torments that the oppressed (protagonist) has to undergo in the society. The play brings into picture the social evils, imperfections & flaws against women that are persistent in the society. The play even describes the marginalization of women, discrimination on the basis of gender, the different set norms for both the genders in the society & the behavioural aspects in a patriarchal society. Through the character of Chandidasi, the writer talks about the oppressed, infact Mahasweta Devi through her writings has tried to give voice to the voiceless, she has talked about how the oppressed are even devoid of their basic rights as a human being. Her writings call for a social change, giving due importance & equal status to the marginalized as well.