Patriarchal Opperation and Gender Inequality in Dinamehta's Brides Are Not for Burning

This dissertation is an attempt to understand and explore the issue of patriarchaloppression and gender inequality as presented in the play written by Dina Mehta “Brides are not for burning”. While studying this play I realized that it is not just a dramatic work but is reflection of a painful social reality that still exists in society. It is not about just one bride or one family; it reflects a serious social problem which is unfortunately still continues in distinct form in our society. Marriage in Indian culture is often considered as a sacred and joyful celebrationbut behind this celebration there are various serious issues like dowry demands, domestic violence and social pressure. This play shows that how women’s life changes completely after marriage andhow she loose her real inner self, her voice, freedom and identity. It made me thinks about how society values money, status and their reputations more over than women’s life and dignity. The problem of dowry, domestic violence and bride burning is not just that issues which we read in newspaper and article; it is something that affects women in everyday life even in today’s progressive society. The main purpose of choosing this topic is to explore how literature exposes social injustice. Gender inequality is still rooted in our society system. Even though we talkabout progress and modernization still many women are judged for their appearance and nature,mistreatedattheirownhomesbytheirownfamily. Eventhoughtherearelawsand many other provisions are against dowry demand and suicide case due to dowry but still problems present in our society, it shows that problem is not only legal but also psychological. Whilepreparingthis dissertation, Icarefully studied about this playand focused on its character, theme and dramatic techniques. I have tried to present my ideas in as simple and very societal language so that analysis remains easy to understand. I have also made sure that the work remains real and based on my research of the text. The research helped to grow academically as well as mentally or personally. It makes me aware of the struggle of women faced in society because of male patriarchal system, how woman have to face injustice and pain for the sake of their survival. It makes me understand that literature is not just for entertainment it is a medium to questionsociety about social problems and bring awareness. Ihopethis dissertation will becomeacontribution in asmall way to understandthe serious issues of patriarchal oppression and gender inequality.