Being and Beyonding: The Poetry of Kamala Das

This research paper comprises four sections. Each section explores the thematic pillars of “being” and “beyonding” that form the essence of Kamala Das' poetic oeuvres. Emphasizing these two terms, it aims to uncover how they uniquely shape her poetic identity. The initial section provides an in-depth exploration of “being” and “beyonding," dispelling ambiguities concerning them. The subsequent section probes the concept of "being" as manifested in her poetry, intimately annexed to her personal experiences and crucial life events, disclosing the intimacy between her art and her identity. The third section analyzes the term "beyonding” in her works, displaying how she transcends personal narratives to address profound existential questions. Finally, it presents the dynamic interplay between these ontological notions, underscoring their comprehensive resonance and vitality within her poetics. Through rigorous research and insightful analysis, it presents Kamala Das as a poet who intricately fuses the essence of “being” and “beyonding” into her poetics, seamlessly balancing the subjective and the objective phenomena.