• ISBN13: 9788126917068
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: English Literature
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: N/A
• Publication Date: May 25, 2021
• Pages: 262
• Original Price: INR 795.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 410 grams

This book is based on the myths in the plays of Girish Karnad. The four major plays Hayavadana, Yayati, Nagamandala and The Fire and the Rain have been analyzed from a gender perspective. It is a pioneering work since it brings to light the fact that contrary to the prevalent belief that women’s emancipation movement started in the last two centuries, it establishes that the world of ancient India was both liberal and generous. The women represented in these plays belong to ancient India. They were aware of their identities as independent individuals and were able to take intelligent decisions regarding their destiny with vigor and determination.
The book establishes Karnad as a revolutionary author who was able to artistically present the reality of female psyche. It also bridges the distance between ancient and the modern because the emancipated souls of the women presented, radically implant the truth that God created man and woman equal with the same needs, drives and motives. It is really interesting to note how the women in these plays display the multivalent existence in different spheres of human activities. The indepth research on the theories of myth and folklore of India is a substantial contribution to academic insight. The detailed and systematic study of gender history, gender related issues and exposition of current theories will be an important resource to all those engaged in this branch of research. The application of gender theories to the works of Karnad will also prove useful for scholars desirous of pursuing similar studies on different authors. Written in a refined style and lucid manner this book will ably fulfill the need for applied studies in literature.
Such studies are challenging but are also most gratifying because they are fresh and hence, energizing. This original work has also undertaken the daunting task of incorporating the living legends of feminist criticism such as Kate Millet, Helen Cixous, Alice Walker, Elaine Showalter, Luce Irigaray, Judith Butler, along with the trail blazer Simone de Beauvoir.

Dr. Abhishek Kosta is a senior faculty in the Madhya Pradesh Department of Higher Education and is currently serving as the Head of the Department of English at Government Arts College, Panagar, Jabalpur.
Born and brought up in a family devoted to traditional Indian values, Dr. Kosta is ever willing to probe into the changing trends of thought. His doctoral thesis evinces a liberal mind, keen to embrace justice and truth. He combines a scientific temperament with deep faith in the religious and cultural heritage of India.
Dr. Kosta acquired his higher education from Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur. His M. Phil dissertation was on ‘Aesthetic Theory of John Keats’. The advantage of this study is discernable in his doctoral thesis also. He has 12 research papers published in various journals in India. He is the founding editor of Deeksha, an annual magazine published from his college. At present he is working on the feminist theory developed by the well-known American critic Elaine Showalter.