Silenced Voices, Reclaimed Myths: Gender and Resistance in Indian Literary Reinterpretations

This paper examines the intersection of myth, ideology, and gender within Indian literature, focusing on how feminist writers reinterpret and subvert traditional myths that historically upheld patriarchal values. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Alan Swingewood and Terry Eagleton, the paper analyzes the portrayal of mythological figures such as Sita, Gandhari, Draupadi, and Ahalya. Through the works of Bina Aggarwal, Githa Hariharan, Mahasweta Devi, and K. B. Sreedevi, it reveals a process of “remythification,” where the original, patriarchal myths are deconstructed and replaced by narratives that foreground women’s agency, critique systemic oppression, and challenge societal norms. Ultimately, the study highlights how literature can transform sites of cultural oppression into spaces of resistance and empowerment.