Subaltern Silence and Gendered Subjectivity: Reconfiguring Traditional Motherhood in Mai: Silently Mother

Abstract

This paper examines the complex intersections of silence, identity, and maternal subjectivity within the framework of Indian patriarchy. While motherhood is often culturally celebrated as the highest form of fulfillment for women, this study argues that such idealization frequently conceals structures of coercion, sacrifice, and identity erasure. In many traditional contexts, motherhood is not a matter of individual choice but a socially imposed role, where women are expected to prioritize familial duties over personal aspirations.