Cultural Contradiction And Feministic Struggle In Manju Kapur’s Custody

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the user's text and rephrase it academically. In Custody ManjuKapur, delves into the lives of individuals residing in metropolitan cities, shedding light on their experiences as they grapple with the consequences of modernity. The forces of globalization, privatization, and economic liberalization instigate the phenomenon. The main characters in Custody exhibit a natural inclination towards worldly pursuits. The narrative revolves around the character of Raman, a burgeoning marketing executive, and his relationships with his wife, Shagun and another woman named Ishita. The discourse finally addresses the themes of exploitation, bias, isolation, distress, victimhood, and manipulation. Every character possesses a distinct collection of concepts and ideologies, which reflect the "modern virtues" that we have embraced and incorporated into our lives. The emergence of the "new woman" in India is a tangible phenomenon characterized by a transformation in women's conceptualization and societal role within the contemporary setting. She embodies a fusion of Western elements and her indigenous heritage. The individual in question exhibits a hybrid nature, demonstrating the ability to maintain equilibrium across various domains of her life despite encountering a range of disruptions. This study centres on the rise of newly empowered female characters in ManjuKapur's novel Custody as they strive to carve out their distinct roles within society and their familial contexts. The "new woman" concept has emerged as a hybrid phenomenon, representing a significant shift towards emancipation and the assertion of individuality within the context of traditional cultural norms.