Mahasweta Devi

Mahasweta Devi occupies a singular position in the history of modern Indian literature and world literature. This book engages with Devis works as a writer-activist who critically explored subaltern subjectivities, the limits of history and the harsh social realities of post-independence India. The volume showcases Devis oeuvre and versatility through samples of her writing in translation from the original Bengaliincluding Jhansir Rani, Hajar Churashir Ma, and Bayen among others. It also looks at the use of language, symbolism, mythic elements and heteroglossia in Devis exploration of heterogeneous themes such as exploitation, violence, womens subjectivities, depredation of the environment and failures of the nation state. The book analyses translations and adaptations of her work, debates surrounding her activism and politics and critical reception to give readers an overview of the writers life, influences, achievements and legacy. It highlights the multiple concerns in her writings and argues that the aesthetic aspects of Mahasweta Devis work form an essential part of her politics. Part of the Writer in Context series, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of Indian literature, Bengali literature, English literature, postcolonial studies, cultural studies, global south studies and translation studies.