Debunking the stigmatized
widowhood: A study through the autobiography of Padma Desai
and Indira Goswami
Dr. Nibedita Das
ABSTRACT
The paper explores the various trajectories of
Indian widowhood, stigmatized society and patriarchal patterns
related to widowhood. The social frameworks of operation, repression
and superstition forced them to live a life of non-existence.
Violence and abuse are the toolkit of the society to push them to
the deep dark Conner of the public or private places where they
become almost invisible. Widows in Indian society are tortured
innumerably ranging from self-immolation in the deceased husband’s
funeral pyre (Sati), shaving of the head, imprisonment in the home,
strict simple food and clothing to control over sexuality. This
paper will focus on the changing narrative of Indian widows and
their voice against the prejudice and stigmatization of Indian
widowhood. Both the autobiographies focus on this social evil of
widowhood and stand up to break the social barricades posted against
widows. Both Padma Desai and Indira Goswami challenged the horror
and torture inflicted on widows of their time while breaking the
stereotypes themselves.
Key Words: Women, Widowhood, patriarchy, Indian society and stigma
