Wealth as a Determinant of Power: A Case Study of Matriarchy with Reference to the Novel Roots and Shadows

In the captivating novel "Roots and Shadows" by Shashi Despande, we delve into the intricate life of Indu, a young woman who finds herself at odds with the constraints imposed by her traditional upbringing by the matriarch Akka, the prominent character in the novel. The research aims to assess whether wealth plays a significant role in granting power, regardless of an individual's gender. In addition, it examines the impact of societal power structures on individuals' rights and treatment. By exploring the dynamics of patriarchy and matriarchy, the research seeks to shed light on how these systems may contribute to discrimination and suffering experienced by characters. Furthermore, the investigation into the role of money as a determinant of power is a compelling aspect of the study which has been compared with other similar characters from various novels. The major issues related to the dominance based on power are analysed.