Representation of Female Characters in Devkota'sLaxmi Katha Sangrah

Abstract

LaxmiKatha Sangrah (2032v.s.)is an anthology of short fictions by Laxmi Prsad Devkota. The major female characters in thestories reflect the females’ situation in patriarchal society who are victimized due to the male violence, domination and oppression. These stories show the females are given inferior and pathetic space in the Hindu culture and society.The patriarchal literary trend depicts the women as irrational, dependent, fragile, emotional and weak. It has created such dominated or evil image of females in socity. The passive amd negative image forces women to be more victimized. Feminism struggles against such representation of women. It tries to establish the free, independent, active and positive realistic image of females. Likewise Devkota’s female charaters resist the patriarchal domination.The female characters in the stories have marginalized and subordinated status. But the protagonists of those stories raise their voice against patriarchy. They challenge the role, space and stereotypical image provided to them.They resist the male ideology of keeping themout of mainstream. Each of the story, collected and compiled inLaxmi Katha Sangrahcontains a separate,safe,and liberal space for the subaltern females. They get chance to be aware and conscious against the elitist patriarchal ideology there. These stories provide echo of the women from all class,caste and culture. Hence, through these stories writer exposes voice of the subaltern (females).