Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities _______________________________ISSN 2348-6252

Vol. 2(4), 1-4, April (2015) Res. J. Lang. Lit. Humanities

The Literary Prose works of Marathi Women Writers: Features and

Awareness
Deshmukh Lata Keshav
Sahakar Mahrshi Bhausaheb Santuji Thorat Arts, Commerce and Science College, Sangamner – 422 605, Dist. Ahmednagar, MS, INDIA
Available online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me
Received 16th November 2014, revised 8th February 2015, accepted 16th March 2015
Abstract
The emotional world of women is indeed wide and encompassing. With the advent of formal education, this emotional
world of women got an expression and flourished as literary words on paper. Women writers have made marks for
themselves in the literary scenario in India. Dnyanpeeth winning authors like Mahasweta Devi, Ashapurna Devi, Pratibha
Ray, Amruta Pritam, Mahadevi Varma, and others have proved their undisputed contribution and importance in the field of
literature. Crossing the boundaries of traditional forms like Drama, Poetry, and Novel, they explored the free genre of
literary prose. They have proved their mettle at composing Literary Prose works. These writers penned down various
phases of the Woman’s life across various cross sections of the society. In the Marathi literary scenario too, women writers
have done a commendable job. In the present work attempt has been made to put forth the features of some selected
Marathi women writers involved in Literary Prose literature. Their writings reflect their literary competence and
perception, awareness, understanding of the woman’s life and the corresponding social realities. The various aspects of a
woman’s life, their experiences, perceptions of life, emotional and intellectual spheres, their relationships with families and
the society, and various such delicate topics were handled by them with great efficiency. This research paper has been
written with special reference to the literary prose works of Kusumawati Deshpande, Iravati Karve and Indira Sant. These
Literary Prose works have been meaningfully classified under the categories like memoirs, travelogues, biographies,
literary essays, about nature, etc. An important contribution of literary prose is the bringing out the notion of ‘I’. And
going a step ahead, they ruled out the belief that ‘I’ only meant the expression of personal likes and dislikes, by showing,
how it can be taken to a higher, wider level… The emotional world of women is undeniably very deep and profound; these
Literary Prose Works show how it expands from their own homes to reach various countries and their cultures. In a
nutshell, we could say that these Marathi women writers have handled this form to give it a new outlook. They have freed it
from its fixities and rigid technicalities. The research paper concludes by pointing out the uniqueness of these Women
Writers in terms of perception, meaning and their ways of expressing themselves.

Keywords: Literary prose, Marathi women writers, features and awareness, literary competence and perception.

Introduction prohibited. The social environments were not in favour of the

women folk. But they are succeed in it and provided the brave
There are so many writers in the Marathi literature in various women of the nation. Such writers are : Iravati Karve, Durga
fields of the fiction, poetry, legend, short stories, drama / play Bhagawat, Indira Sant and Shanta Shelke.
etc. The women also acquired their own identity in the same.
They have focused own their own personality ‘I’ in their stories Objectives
and different kinds of literature. It is sad, comparing to the
writers, that they are always given lower status. But these The biggest tragedy of the women is that they are considered as
women writers are proved that they are a step ahead than men. It the trading commodity to enjoy the society! Hence, the women
is also not good that the women are considered only for the folk are not secure in our society. The another thing is that the
cooking and serving due to monopoly of men. It is true that they women are considered only for the cooking and serving in our
are forward in it, but this is also reality they are also great Indian culture! Their dignity not considered equal to the men.
herewith of the class literature. Whatever they have written, Hence they are less considered and respected in our society! Our
they included and very well expressed their own experience in should allow them to grow with their secure life from birth to
such a beautiful literature. Their sensitive motives, their vision, death. The men oriented culture is danger to them for their
cheerfulness, justice and injustice etc. all are expressed and interior growth. They are developed in various fields and the
explained in it in a very powerful way and simple, suitable literature is not exception for them. The many women are
words in their literature. The most surprising thing is that, their proved their extra-ordinary capacity with regard to the literature,
literature published in these days, mainly 50 to 60 years back, its language, their deep understanding, their knowledge, its
when such things are not allowed to them and strictly explanation and style etc. We may experience the same feeling

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Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities___________________________________________ ISSN 2348-6252
Vol. 2(4), 1-4, April (2015) Res. J. Lang. Lit. Humanities

once again through their thesis. Our objectives are very clear: Considering injustices done to the women, she expressed and
The men should change their views to look often the women gave importance to her feelings as “I am woman”. She expect to
and allow them to grow in the dignity of the human being. Their change such evil motive for the good of the society. She also
literature, thesis will help us to understand the same sprit and stressed on not to make them handicapped by during same
such transformation will take place in our society. favour on the woman. She expects woman’s right but with
justice. Her allow literature is praisworty in this regard. There
The Keywords: Marathi literature, various kinds of literature, are so many examples are given to open our eyes. It perfectly
Literary prose, women writers, The manifestation of ‘me’/ ‘I’, A shows women’s nature : vedry sensitive, emotional, loving,
Journey/ Traveling, A Graphic Personality, The manifestation of tender, saerivicial, devotedm unfycing, brave, courageous,
the Nature, Women’s world, Religious, Cultural. skillful, will-adjusted, hardworking, magnificent and sinere.

Iravati Karve In the world of journey Iravati Karve worte her own
observation, liking, fibdness, understanding, intellectual power,
Research work in Anthropology and sociology. Great memory and her opinion which is very impressive and
International level Author and deeply read learned women. appreciative. This we found in the journey of Assam, Curg and
Scientific base and accomplishment perfection in her writing. malbar, Punjab and Bengal tour. She considered their living
style, eating and drinking, dressing and dancing, serving and
Thoughtful writing caring. This is supported by historical, religious geographical
and ecological beauty too. P.L. Deshpande writes in his one of
Marathi Lokanchi Sanskruti. (1959), Amchi Sanskruti (1960), the book that, ‘The fulfillment is the flower, which never lose its
Sanskruti (1972), Hindunchi Samajrachna (1964), Hindu freshness, of the Marathi Literature in which Iravati Karve has
Society : An Interpretation 1961 (English) this book is shown her great success ! As a simple human being, how do we
translated in Marathi ‘Hindu Samak : Eak Anwayartha (1975) – understood it’s beauty? We have not achieved that much height
by D.D. Karve, Kinship organization in India (1953) is of the literature!. And Iravati Karve became famous due to her
translated in Hindi ‘Bharatime Bandhutwa Sangathan’ by R. ‘Vari’, the very beautiful and fulfilling lieterture”2.
Trivedi and H. Dixit, Maharashtra : Land and its people (1968)
is translated in Marathi ‘Maharashtra : Eak Abhyas’ etc. There is no doubt that, Iravati Karve gives us new dimension
through her beautiful literature. Because her literature is the best
Literary Prose work of Iravati Karve collection of her pure and experience-based living!
Paripurti (1949), Gangajal (1972), Bhovara (1960), Youganta
(1967) Iravati Karve’s worked of literature is vast and Durga Bhagwat
appreciative. It is based on her own experience and not artificial Anthropology and sociology – ‘Loksathityachi Ruprekha’
one. These word comes out from her own heart. Her feelings (1956), ‘Ketaki Kadambari : Satip Dasbodh’ Novel –
and deep mediation on it helped her to express it in a very ‘Mahanalichya Tiravar’ (1953),
powerful way. She gone through her own experiences: good and Story book – ‘Purva’ (1957).
bad, cheerfulness and sorrows, justice and injustices, whatever it
may be, she put it in the words. The readers get new sight and Folkliterature – ‘Amhi. Adivasi’ (1952), ‘Panjabi Folkstories’
enthusiastic motivation by her writings. She wrote on : (Vol. 1-4, 1973), ‘Kashmiri folkstories’ (Vol. 1-5-1976), ‘Tamil
Downfall of Human Values, social-Religious Ethics, The Folkstories’ (Vol. 1-3,1976), ‘Dakkhanchya loc-katha’ (Vol. 1-
Marathas and their pride, The living-force of Human seeing, the 4,1976), ‘Bangalacha Lookatha’ (Vol. 1-2, 1976), ‘Sasticha
Explosion of population, The living strudel of India and Goshti’ (Vol. 1-2, 1976), ‘Asami Lok katha’ (1977), ‘Gujarthi
America, the Faith of Human, The traditions and customers, The Lok Katha’ (Vol. 1-2, 1977) etc. 34 story books are in 11 Indian
Human Nature, Freedom from slavery, Family crisis, Languages.
Loneliness, Lack of Human values, The society in the Era of
Mahabharata etc.
Literary Prose of Durga Bhagwat
Iravati Karve gave much more important and prolixity to the ‘Rutuchakara’(1956), ‘Bhavmudra’ (1960), ‘Pais’ (1970), ‘Dub’
social problems, local situation, especially the women's issues in (1975), ‘Athwale Tase’ (1991), ‘Dupani’ (1965), ‘Vyasparva’
her literature. She felt very sorry for the monopoly of men, (1962), ‘Rupranga’ (1967), ‘Prasangika’ (1975), ‘Lahani’
which is still continued in the present situation of Independent (1980)
India. In her literature, she stressed on women’s participation
and involvement to solve their problems with their own ability, Durga Bhagawat is the best example of the modern Marathi
strength and knowledge, along with the men. She said, that “The writers. She neglected an old forms and adopted the new and
women’s movement is not separated from the social justice, completely modern style of writing in the Marathi literature. Her
rather it is related to the freedom of women”1. many characters, as we see in her literature, are studious, eager

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Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities___________________________________________ ISSN 2348-6252
Vol. 2(4), 1-4, April (2015) Res. J. Lang. Lit. Humanities

to know, investigator, fond of beauty of the language and so ‘Garbhareshim’ (1982), ‘Chitkala’ (1989), ‘Wanshkusum’
many such qualities. (1994), ‘Nirakar’ (2000)

Durga Bhagawat is motivated by her new sight which she got Poetry for children – ‘Angat Pangat’, ‘Gavat Fula Re Gavat
from her deep study, knowledge of understanding, love of Fula’, ‘Mamacha Bangala’ (1995), Story writing – ‘Shamaly’,
literature and beauty of the language. She herself is a studious ‘Kadaly’, ‘Chaitu’ (1950-60), Literary Prose – ‘Mrudgandha’
loriter in various subjects such as society – their traditions and (1986), ‘Fulvel’ (1997)
culture etc. Its each and every charaer is involved in her
beautiful literature. Literary prose of Indira Sant
In her skill writting, Durva Bhagwat wrote on cooking science, In her prose and verse and in all other literary forms, Indira Sant
sewing, needlework of embroidery etc. which is benefited a lot has very well explained and expressed the life of human being
to the women folk. She also provided it very strongly that, the and its beauty. Her own experience of life is the base of it all.
relationship in between local culture, tradition, economy, We can see it easily through her literature, the spirit of human
religion, ecology etc. is very enthusiasticsnd applicable to the being and it’s manifestation. She included all subjects in her
modern society. Her Literature is very appreciated and writings. Which is related to own life, such as : nature’s
impressive due to her beautiful language and it’s deep thought. attraction, social awareness, fond of literature, loving animals –
She involved all class of people in her writing, from the high to birds – people etc.
low, from well educated to illiterate labourer especially the
women folk. We really experience and enjoy it’s beauty though Ramesh Tendulkar, the famous writer, wrote about her that,
her literature. “The beauty of nature is an unbreakable part and the strong
feelings of the life of Indira Sant”4.
Shankuntala Bhave has very well remarked that, “Durga
Bhagawat, as we see through her literature, is very sensitive Indira Sant spent her child hood in the village, atmosphere and
poet, modern writer, found of literature and it’s loving she attracted to its beautiful environment. There she experienced
characters, which she expressed very well in her beautiful its beauty in songs, dancing, colours, smell, beauty, everything.
literature : “Vrutuchakara”3. We too fall in love and experience the same feeling through her
literature. This is the real strength and power of her writings.
Durga Bhagawat also wrote the biographies of different icons
such as Buddha, Rama, Krushna, Christ, Vithoba. She identified The same feeling is expressed by Pratima Keskar in one of the
their inner characters than the outer image, and reveled their weekly that “Indira Sant loves much to the women folk from the
true personalities, which is very impressive and appreciated. It’s very beginning of her life. That’s why her prose and vense
best example is referred as above!. touched directly to their feants and it became their own songs”5.

Durga Bhagawat wrote on journey which took place due to her Indira Sant is very much attached to the nature, its beauty its
Ph.D. study, from Tapi to Mahanadi and that is the only the changing season – the rain, winter, summer, its day and night,
literature of its form. She wrote in it on tribal people of Gond, animals, birds etc. And the same is reflected strongly in all her
Korku, Baiga, their tradition and culture, lifestyles, religion, literature. She also beautifully revealed and focused on the
festivals, their faith, language songs etc. This journey was literature of various writers. It is true, that, her literature is
involved and very well supported by her observation of plants, strengthen by the songs of life, which is appreciated by all of
flowers, fruits, animals, birds, creatures etc. This classic gives us!.
us using the nature and its ecology.
Shanta Shelke
The literature of Durga Bhagawat is based on her own
experience which we too it’s beautiful touch through her Story books – ‘Mukta Ani Etar Goshti’ (1944), ‘Vichitra Shap’
literature. She wrote on all forms of literature, especially on (1947), ‘Putala’ (1947), ‘Nar Raksha’ (1948), ‘Gulmohor’
personal experience, biographies, journey stories, portraits etc. (1949), ‘Chikhaldyacha Mantrik’ (1950), ‘Premik’ (1956),
She gave priority to reveal the true personalities of human being ‘Swapna Trarang’ (1959), ‘Kaveri Ni Etar Katha’ (1962),
in her literature. Her work is prosperous and flourishing which ‘Kachakamal’ (1969), ‘Sawashna’ (1947), ‘Anubandh’ (1980),
give us good feeling. ‘Basari’ (1992), ‘Eak Gane Chuliche’ (1994), ‘Saticha Uada’
(1998), ‘Lekurwali’ (1999), ‘Sparsha Ani Sparsha’ (2000),
‘Vede Vare’ (2000)
Indira Sant
Poetry – ‘Sahawas’ (1941), ‘Shela’ (1951), ‘Mendi’ (1955), Poetry – ‘Abhanga Shatpatri’ (1932), ‘Varsha’ (1940), ‘Rupasi’
‘Mrugajal’ (1957), ‘Rangabavari’ (1964), ‘Bahulya’ (1972), (1956). ‘Gondan’ (1975), ‘Anlokh’ (1986), ‘Janma Janhavi’
(1990), ‘Toch Chandrama’ (1990), ‘Chitra Gite’ (1995),

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Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities___________________________________________ ISSN 2348-6252
Vol. 2(4), 1-4, April (2015) Res. J. Lang. Lit. Humanities

‘Purvasandhya’ (1996), ‘Etyartha’ (1999), ‘Kinare Manache’ her knowledge and gave justice to her characters in her
(1999), ‘Ganapatichi Gani’ (2000). literature. She knows its deep sprint very well. That’s why she is
able to show its characteristics, whether it is good or bad, the
Novel – ‘Swapnatarang’ (1946), ‘Kojagiri’ (1947), ‘Dharma’ new or old, the simple or extra-ordinary etc.
(1973), ‘Odha’ (1950), ‘Nirupama’, ‘Vizati Jot’ (1946),
‘Bhuvaril Swarga’ (1948), ‘Bhishan Chaya’ (1948), ‘Sukhachi Aruna Dhere has written the main theme on their literature in
Sima’ (1950), ‘Punarjanma’ (1950), ‘Maza Khel Mandu De’ their words: “Shanta Shelke’s beautiful and the best homemade
(1981), ‘Mayecha Pazar’ (1999) chemistry is an informal talk!. Her chatting is fresh, even green
Autobiography – ‘Dhulpati’. and sweet! It is a beautiful gift of her ancestry! In short, we can
say that, her literature is the wonderful gift to the Marathi
Literary Prose of Shanta Shelke People”7.

Shabdanchya Duniyet (1959), Pavasa Adhicha Paus (1985), Conclusion

Anandache Zad (1982), Eak Pani (1989), Sansmarne (1990),
Madarangi (1989), Sangavese Vatale Mhanun (1998), Janata Before an independent period of our nation, the Marathi
Ajanata (1995) Eitastat : (1998), Rangaresh (1999), Manatale literature sometimes informative, ethical and most of the time,
Ghar (2000), Lalit Nabhi Megh Char (1998) etc. imaginary, base on entertainment. It’s truth were far away from
the reality. Many time it were full of mythical stories. But after
Shanta Shelke is very much related to the new and old customs an independent of our nation, the situation of the literature
culture and trading through her Marathi literature. She has completely changed. It developed a lot with experience and by
chosen on of the throught from it, decorated and presented it in the new sight people received from the developed science such
the form of a beautiful and colorful bouquet of the literature. as social, ecological are and culture, psychology and so on. All
She developed her writting by the same in different forms of those written in the period of independent are proved their
literature. Her own experience has become her guide and she capacity through their strong and enthusiastic literature. They
allowed her characters in the literature to talk, to discuss so that contributed it by their thoughts and experiences and handed
the truth may shine. It helped to people to understand the over to the new generation. This was the period which became
literature. And they are motivated by it’s throught. This is the the milestone for the Marathi literature.
way of manifestation of her literature, which is appreciative to
the people of all class and creed. Her literature because as References
people – oriented literature.
1. Kotbagi Usha, Iravati Karve: Vyakti Ani Wangmaya
Shanta Shelke included various subjects in her literature such as Padmagandha Publication, Pune, First Edition, 25 (2005)
nature, animals, birds, generation gap, children's psychology, 2. Deshpande P.L., Iravati: Eak Deepmal, Gun Gain Awadi,
women folk, their feeling, people literate and illiterate, Plauj Publication, Mumbai, 173 (1976)
memorable or unforgettable people etc. Her different characters
in the literature are shown their sympathy, love, cheerfulness, 3. Bhave Shakuntala, Ved: Durgabainchya Sahityacha,
sorrow, good and bad feelings, their experiences, beauty etc. Shivam Publication, Pune, First Edition, 34 (2005)
and they all are covered in her literature with simple language. 4. Tendulkar Ramesh, (Ed.) Mrunmai, Editor Suvichar
Publication, Pune, IInd Education 11, (1984)
Purushattam Dhakras has expressed it in his thoughts and
5. Keskar Pratibha, (Ed.) Weekly Manus, 21 (1985)
feelings in this word: “We get surprised by the prose and verses
of Shanta Shelke which she has collected as the pearls and 6. Dhakras Purushottam, Neevadak Shanta Shelke, Utkarsh
diamonds in the ocean of her literature”6. Publication, Pune, IInd Edition 13, (2003)
7. Dhere Aruna, Ardhya Vatewar, Navchaitnya Prakashan,
Shanta Shelke by her nature is fond of literature. She spends a Mumbai, Ist Edition., 129 (1976)
lot of time in it for studying and reading. Hence, she developed

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