Authors: Dr. Rajdhan Assistant Professor
Abstract: This paper critically explores the intersections of patriarchy, power, and body politics in contemporary Indian English fiction. Patriarchy is such a Society in which more importance is given to man than woman. In Indian society, except some parts, has been patriarchal from olden times. In Indian society which is primarily patriarchal in which men’s population is around 52% and women are around 48%. Man holds all powers so he wants to control a woman but in present times of equality a woman has recognized her potential as an individual. Contemporary Indian fiction frequently explores the interplay of patriarchy, power, and body politics, showcasing how patriarchal structures influence women's lives and their relationship with their bodies. Authors examine how patriarchal norms, particularly within family structures, caste systems, and societal expectations, shape women's identities, restrict their agency, and perpetuate their subjugation. These narratives also highlight the struggles of women to reclaim their bodies and challenge the imposed control through various forms of resistance. In a male-dominated society a man wants complete control on his wife but she doesn’t want to be controlled. Drawing on texts by authors such as Meena Kandasamy, Arundhati Roy, Perumal Murugan, and Anita Nair, this study reveals how the Indian novel becomes a powerful medium for negotiating issues of gender, sexuality, caste, and corporeality. It argues that contemporary Indian fiction not only critiques hegemonic structures but also reimagines the body as a site of resistance and empowerment.
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