ISO 9001:2015

LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS OF DISABILITIES: A CASE STUDY OF INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

Divya Rani

Representation of disability in literature has travelled a long way. The feelings are mixed as to whether or not these representations have been just. The matter of representation of disability has been a sensitive one since the group whose representation is being discussed here is, mostly, psychologically, and biologically, very vulnerable. Also, keeping in mind the complexity of human anatomy, and multiplicity of disease that keep evolving in a never-ending manner further complicates the matter. There is always a risk of a partial, or mis-representation of the section of society that is facing medical challenges. There is also the risk inaccuracy, and wholeness, in discussing the pangs of a people suffering a certain disability because the person trying to discuss may not be in possession of a complete, or at least, necessary information. Many a times this lack of awareness on the part of a fit person–saying, or writing, something about a disability–causes tricky situations. Unwillingly, at times, an unaware person makes an observation on a disability that triggers stormy response from the disabled person’s end. The problem with such a situation is, both the parties are correct. The victim is correct because his sentiments have been hurt, while the ‘so-considered’ offender is correct because he/she was only trying to help (maybe by discussing the matter). The situation then becomes tricky. Whatever be the case, over the past few years, disability studies has gained due recognition within the academia. With the intent to understand how the past has perceived disability, this paper discusses the representation of disability in Indian Mythology.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

Keywords: Disabilities, Mythology, Psychology, Literary Representations.


DOI:

Article DOI:

DOI URL:


Download Full Paper:

Download