From Silence to Survival: A Study of Domestic Violence in Kiran Nagarkar's Seven Sixes are Forty-Three and Jasoda

Domestic violence is among the most deleterious social evils that affect the lives of women across the boundaries of class, caste, religion, nationality and economic status. It threatens the quality of life, physical and mental health and deteriorates the social fabric of the community. It may manifest in various forms ranging from physical (battering, burning) and sexual assaults (rape, genital mutilation) to psychological (neglect, threats, taunts). Despite advancement in legislation and increase in awareness against domestic violence, it remains pervasive due to the complex interplay of cultural, economic and patriarchal forces. The rigid norms and expectations pertaining to gender roles and responsibilities are established by the patriarchal system. This hierarchical structure of power and dominance works to subjugate women by designating traditional roles of homemaking and childcare to them. Lack of autonomy and agency results in their exploitation in one form or another. Kiran Nagarkar is one of the most prominent writers who paint a realistic picture of the Indian society and the condition of women. In his novels Seven Sixes are Forty Three (2003) and Jasoda (2017), he explores the theme of domestic violence and abuse. Nagarkar through his female characters foregrounds the predicament of women in the Indian context. The present paper, through the women characters in the novels, attempts to study how patriarchal power structures lead to the marginalisation and exploitation of women. It highlights how gender norms prove detrimental to the status of women in the society and make them vulnerable to violence and abuse. Violence at the hands of intimate partners, husbands and other family members becomes a threat to their physical and mental well being.