Mahasweta Devi and Postmodern Cultural Hegemony

Abstract

The paper outlines a brief overview of Postmodernism and its offshoot Cultural Hegemony. The paper examines closely how Antonio Gramsci developed and propagated Cultural Hegemony. Furthermore, the paper takes into account the factors that influence a state to impose a hegemonic stance on the common people. The scope of the paper also covers Mahasweta Devi, one of the seminal writers of India who has tirelessly championed for the cause of the tribal communities and the downtrodden. Mahasweta Devi has always fought against the hegemonic tools that have been used by the state machinery at the behest of the capitalist class. The paper gives an overview of some of her prominent works that seek to expose the social hypocrisies and prejudices that impede the progress of the subaltern communities.