"Feminist Approach to the Narrative of Madhavi in Bhisham Sahni' Play Madhavi"

Abstract

Mythical stories are not lies, rather a mode of retrospections and going back to time and realize its significance in present scenario. One of such mythical narratives occurs in Bhisham Sahni’s play Madhavi. The play recounts an ancient tale from the Mahabharata. It begins with Munikumar Galav who has to fulfil a promise made to his guru, Vishwamitra. Yayati, who was a king once upon a time but has now turned into an ashramite sage, is father of Madhavi whom he gives away to Galav in an act of generosity. She is blessed with a divine power to regain her youth and virginity and is capable of mothering great kings. She has been portrayed merely as a pawn in patriarchal society where male chauvinism and notions led her life to discontentment and full of tragedy. She is a valuable asset to men who she lives with. In the end, she dejectedly walks away from everyone denying any other fulfillment of others’ wishes.