নারীবাদী তত্ত্বের আলোকে মল্লিকা সেনগুপ্তের কবিতা/ Mallika Sengupta's Poetry in the Light of Feminist Theory

Abstract

Within the realm of postmodern theory, feminism constitutes a significant theoretical paradigm. Consequently—much like in other branches of the humanities—it is being extensively applied in the field of literary criticism. It was during the latter half of the twentieth century that feminism found the space to evolve into a distinct theoretical framework within the modern intellectual landscape. In tracing the trajectory of civilizational evolution, it is often hypothesized that, in the primordial era, women occupied an autonomous position; this is attributed to the fact that, within matriarchal societies, women held rights over agriculture and material resources. However, with the advent of feudal civilization, women gradually forfeited their inherent rights, becoming reduced to mere possessions of men. Even within capitalist social structures, women failed to attain the liberation they so ardently sought. Over time, they became increasingly marginalized. Feminist literary theory seeks not only to explore the ancient heritage of matriarchal civilizations but also to illuminate the contemporary status of women. Consequently, such discourse inevitably brings to the fore the power dynamics between women and entrenched patriarchy, the marginalized status of women, and the processes through which gender identities are socially constructed. This article examines the practical application of feminist theoretical principles within the poetry of Mallika Sengupta.

           Feminist themes feature prominently in Mallika Sengupta’s poetry; indeed, it would be more accurate to state that she has, in various ways, artistically constructed the theoretical essence of feminism within her verse. While endeavoring to expose the true plight of women within a patriarchal social order, she simultaneously sought to tear apart the oppressive web of patriarchy itself. She remained committed to this mission throughout her entire poetic career—from her earliest compositions until her final days. This commitment constituted the declared guiding principle of her poetic practice. Consequently, she viewed herself—and portrayed herself in her poetry—as an "advocate for equal rights." This advocacy for equality was directed less toward economic disparities and more toward combating gender-based discrimination. Championing the cause of equal rights for men and women on a global scale served as the foundational mantra—the very *bijamantra*—of her poetic endeavor. In assessing the status of women, Mallika Sengupta remained entirely free of bias; her poetry bears no trace of prejudice based on religion, caste, class, or political, economic, or social affiliations. To her, the world comprised but a single fundamental division: that between men and women. Whether it was the lament of a young woman from an elite, upper-class family or the cry of a girl residing in a slum, both resonated with equal significance in her eyes. Her struggle was, fundamentally, a struggle for the attainment of women's autonomy. Yet, this does not render her a misandrist; rather, her animosity is directed squarely against the systemic institution of patriarchy. Her protest is directed against the patriarchy that, having solidified into an immutable monolith, has overshadowed human consciousness. The primary objective of this essay is to examine the feminist strains evident in the poetry of Mallika Sengupta.