Man Woman Relationship in the Novels of Anita Desai Shashi Deshpande and Shobha De a Comparative Study

Abstract

I] Introduction newlineIt is famous saying that a man is incomplete without a woman. Man-woman newlinerelationship is as old as human existence. It was in, olden times a biological necessity. The newlinemodern sophistication of it is an addition of civilization. Right from the ancient epics and newlinelegends, literary endeavor has been to portray this relationship. newlineThe study of status of woman in India shows that it undergoes fluctuations, as well as rise newlineand fall. In the Quran a woman is described as a fitna, one who tempts man and brings trouble. newlineThe Bible observes that god formed woman out of the rib of man. In Vedas, most of the hymns newlineare attributed to only sons-never to daughters. Atharva Veda says: the births of a girl grant newlineelsewhere, here grant a son. In the Vedic Period a woman enjoyed a high status in every field of newlinelife just like a man. They had equal rights in selecting partners through Swayam-Vara , but in newlineSutra period the position of woman started declining. They were kept away from sacrificial newlineceremonies and the study of Veda fell into the hands of men. The only source of knowledge newlinebecame monopoly of man. Women were circumcised to domestic duties. They lost independence newlineand their protection became the duty of the male of the family. This led to the age-long disparity newlinebetween man and woman. This continued up to British Administration. Woman went back in the newlinesocial status. The advancement of the British rule robbed women of their rights to equal status newlinewith men. But the spread of English education and influence of Western Culture made Indian newlinewomen to realize their importance in society. Ramabai Ranade, Pandita Ramabai, Saroj Nalini newlineplayed important role in upliftment of women again the valuable service rendered by Vijaya newlineLaxmi Pandit, Sarojini Naidu, stimulated the movements for the cause of womanhood. newlineA study of women in different culture both in East-West. We find broken unhappy newlinehomes, neglected children, married and unmarried mothers, problems of divorce and prostitution. newlineBut the affection of mothers towards the chil