Authority and Tradition: A Study of (pseudo)-Feminist Voice in Bankim Chandr Chattopadhyay’s Rajmohan’s Wife

Abstract

Babu Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya is a renowned name in the history of Indian struggle for Independence. He is the writer of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ of India. This song created an effervescence among Indians in that era to be united for the freedom of their country and to break together the shackles of slavery. Apart from this he is a strong signature in Bangla Literature. This is disappointing to know that Rajmohan’s Wife is his only novel written in English though it records the true picture of its time at its best. Authority and tradition are two words which seem synonymous to each other. Tradition apparently denotes a continuation and acceptance of norms and myth in society. It also showcases a peculiar kind of imitation. When tradition becomes an integral part of normativity it also exhibits a strong authority towards those traditions. Patriarchy may be the similar kind of traditional authority that was spontaneously born due to the flow of imitation, approval and power. This paper tries to explore those issues closely related to authority a form of power and tradition as an internalized system in determining and demeaning the position and status of women in the early decades of the 19^th century India. Indeed, India was facing the high tides of upheaval in its social, political and cultural milieu that became the fundamental factors in generating turmoil in the lives of the people. Our paper attempts to explore the feminist or pseudo-feminist voice in the novel along with its connection with authority and tradition.