Gender Discrimination and Marginalization of Women in Mahesh Dattani’s Bravely Fought the Queen

Sanchita Kundu

Student

Department of English

Directorate of Open and Distance Learning

University of Kalyani

The play Bravely Fought the Queen, written by Mahesh Dattani in 1991 and published by Penguin Books in 2006, addresses complex issues of gender, sexuality, identity, and family politics (Rathee 31). It notably highlights aspects of women’s bravery, including resilience and defiance in their quest for identity. Dattani presents unconventional views on societal issues, emphasizing the clash between individual identity and societal norms (Agrawal 185). His work particularly focuses on women's challenges within the repressive context of homosexuality in a society that endorses only heterosexuality. Many are hesitant to discuss sexual diversity, believing topics like feminism are more acceptable, while issues of homosexuality are dismissed as un-Indian (Erin 21). Dattani asserts that “being gay or lesbian is neither right nor wrong; it’s reality, and we need to learn to accept alternative relationships” (Qt. in Erin 21). This paper analyzes how the play depicts the marginalization of women within a patriarchal society through a feminist lens, revealing the exploitation and psychological trauma faced by women. Dattani’s plays frequently reflect the struggles of women and marginalized communities, making Feminism one of his most significant obras. It advocates for gender equality and combats women’s oppression on multiple levels, all while portraying the feminine perspective in the face of societal expectations. The present research paper explores the theme of gender discrimination and the marginalization of women prevalent throughout the play.

Key Words (5-7)

Patriarchal, Gender inequality, Marginalization, Abuse, Suffering.

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