Gender, Caste and Marginalization in Vijay Tendulkar's Ghasiram Kotwal

Abstract

Vijay Tendulkar’s Ghasiram Kotwal is a powerful exploration of the intersections of gender, caste, and marginality in 18th - century colonial India. The play, set against the backdrop of the Peshwa rule in Pune, critiques the systemic oppression and exploitation of marginalized groups. This paper examines how Tendulkar portrays gender and caste dynamics, focusing on the silenced voices of women and the marginalization of the "outsider" in the Brahminical caste hierarchy. By examining these themes through the characters of Gauri, Ghasiram, and Nana Phadnavis, the paper demonstrates how Tendulkar exposes the patriarchal and casteist structures that perpetuate social injustice.