LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 24:6 June 2024
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Exploring the Literary Legacy of Kamala Das:
A Multifaceted Journey into Love, Identity, and Societal Challenge

Riyana Y N


Courtesy: www.amazon.in

Abstract

This article delves into the multifaceted literary contributions of Kamala Das, an influential Indian English poet, memoirist, and novelist. Das, also known by her pen name Madhavikutty, challenged societal norms and explored themes of love, sexuality, gender, and identity through her bold and confessional writing. Her literary journey, which began with the publication of Summer in Calcutta (1965), gained widespread recognition with subsequent works such as My Story (1976), an autobiography that sparked significant controversy for its candid portrayal of Das’s personal life. Throughout her career, Das continued to push boundaries with her fearless exploration of taboo subjects and her unwavering commitment to challenging societal expectations. This article examines the various facets of Das’s literary oeuvre, including her poetry collections such as The Descendants (1967) and The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973), as well as her contributions to feminist discourse and postcolonial literature.

Special attention is given to Das’s acclaimed poem My Grandmother's House, which serves as a focal point for exploring themes of cultural heritage, identity, memory, and belonging. Through a comparative analysis of Das’s work with other poems, this article illuminates the universal human experience of navigating the intersections of past, present, and future, and the tangible and intangible realms of existence. Kamala Das’s legacy as a fearless and influential writer continues to resonate with readers around the world, leaving behind a profound impact on the landscape of Indian literature.

Keywords: Kamala Das, multifaceted, love, sexuality, gender, cultural heritage, identity

Kamala Das, known by her pen name Madhavikutty, occupies a prominent position in the landscape of Indian English literature, revered for her bold and introspective writing that challenges societal norms and delves into the intricacies of love, sexuality, gender, and identity. Born on March 31, 1934, in Punnayurkulam, Kerala, Das commenced her literary journey at a tender age, leaving an indelible mark with her debut poetry collection, "Summer in Calcutta" (1965), which received the prestigious Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. Through her poetry, Das offered a raw and unfiltered portrayal of her personal experiences, emotions, and struggles, diverging from the conventional themes prevalent in traditional Indian literature.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Riyana Y N
Assistant Professor
Department of English
AJK College of Arts and Science
Coimbatore 641105
Tamil Nadu, India
riyanayn1990@gmail.com
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