INTERSECTIONALITY AND MARGINALIZATION: EXPLORING THE TRAUMA OF WIDOWS IN MAMONI RAISOM GOSWAMI’S IN THE SHADOW OF THE DIVINE FLUTE PLAYER

सार

This paper explores the complex socio-cultural conditions faced by widows, focusing on the intersection of gender, class, and caste in Indian society. Drawing on literary works such as In the Shadow of the Divine Flute Player by Goswami, it examines how the experience of widowhood is shaped not only by the loss of a husband but also by the broader social structures of patriarchy, caste, and class. The paper applies the framework of intersectionality, which highlights the interconnectedness of various aspects of identity, to understand how the widows lives are shaped by multiple layers of oppression. Through the characters of Saudamini, Sashiprova, and Mrinalini, the paper analyzes how upper-caste and lower-caste widows experience marginalization differently, with the former facing ritualistic and emotional isolation and the latter enduring economic hardships and social exclusion. Additionally, the paper discusses the psychological trauma experienced by widows due to cultural expectations, including celibacy and social alienation. The concept of acculturation is also used to explain the process by which widows adapt to dominant cultural norms while struggling to retain their individual identities. The study underscores how the intersection of gender, class, and caste creates a unique form of oppression for widows, with significant consequences for their social, emotional, and psychological well-being.