Exploitation of workers and their resistance in mahasweta Devi's Dhouli

Abstract

This research studies the portrayal of workers’ oppressioninMahasweta Devi’sDhouli, particularly focusing on the character Dhouli as a symbolof resistance against societal injustice. Through an analysis of dominant feudal figures like Misrilal Misra, Hanuman Misra, and Kundan Misra, alongside field workers such as Dhouli, Jhalo, and Shanichari, the study explores the dynamics of class strugglewithin the narrative. Drawing on theoretical frameworks by Karl Marx,andFriedrich Engels, it sheds light on the evolving resistance against feudal oppression. The exploration reveals the pervasive exploitation inflicted by feudal lords in contemporary India while highlighting the burgeoning resistance among the proletariat class. Devi’s narrative shines a spotlight on the stark realities of feudalism in rural Indian locales like Taharr, untouched by the emancipatory forces of British colonial rule. Through the lens of fictional characters like Dhouli,Shanichari, and others, Devi probes the underlying factors fuelingworkers'rebellion and their methods of resistance against the entrenched feudal system. The study aims to unravel the suppression of feudal dominance and proposesways to dismantle this oppressive structure, ultimately striving towards a more just and equitable society. Keywords:feudalism,exploitation,unity,resistance,societaltransformation