Volume IV Special Issue V June 2024

Name of Author : Brahmaniya Nishaben Mahendrabhai

Title of the paper : Camouflaged Selves: A Critical Analysis of My Magical Palace and A Married Woman

Abstract: India has a rich cultural heritage that has shaped the understanding of gender and sexuality in the country. The traditional views on gender and sexual orientation in India have been influenced by various religious, cultural, and social factors. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in India. However, there are still deep-rooted stigmas and challenges that individuals face due to their sexual orientation. In India, lesbian and gay individuals face numerous challenges, including discrimination, marginalization, and the need to hide their true identities. These challenges stem from societal norms and cultural attitudes that perpetuate homophobia and stigmatize non-heterosexual relationships which can be learned through novels like My Magical Palace by Kunal Mukherjee and A Married Woman by Manju Kapur. These novels depict the struggle of educated Indians hiding their true sexual identity to conform to societal expectations, leading to dual lives one in traditional marriages chosen by their families, and the other, their authentic selves concealed from society.

Keywords : Lesbian, Gay, Society, Marriage, Identity.

DOI :

Page Number : 114-118