Violence, Power, and the Politics of the Body in Draupadi

Abstract

Mahasweta Devi’s Draupadi is a profound narrative that explores the themes of violence, power, and the politics of the body, particularly through the experiences of Dopdi Mejhen, a Santhal tribal woman and a revolutionary involved in the Naxalite movement. Devi’s depiction of Dopdi’s body as both a site of violence and resistance challenges the traditional notions of victimhood and empowerment. The story uncovers the intersectional oppression faced by women of marginalized communities, highlighting how state-sponsored violence, particularly sexual violence, is used to silence and control. However, Devi also portrays how Dopdi reclaims her body as a space of defiance, asserting her agency through an act of radical resistance. This paper analyzes Dopdi's struggle and explores the subaltern’s silent yet powerful resistance, shedding light on the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions on gender, violence, and political resistance. By examining Devi’s work through a feminist and postcolonial lens, the paper underscores how the female body becomes a battleground for power, identity, and liberation.