Hypocrisy and Discrimination in U.R. Ananthamurthy’s “Samskara”
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Abstract
This paper explores the intersections of caste and gender in U.R. Ananthamurthy's "Samskara". It analyses how the novel puts forth the hypocrisy of Brahminical society. It presents a dissection of the characters of Praneshacharya and Shripati, members of Brahmin society, their actions, and the moral contradictions they embody. The paper critiques the social and religious codes that regulate women’s bodies while also showcasing how marginalised female characters, such as Chandri, resist these norms and assert their agency. Drawing on feminist and caste-critical perspectives from thinkers like Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Kelly Oliver, and Bell Hooks, the paper examines how "Samskara" seeks to expose the moral and spiritual bankruptcy of Brahmin patriarchy and reveals the deeply ingrained hypocrisy within the caste system.
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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non–Commercial No Derivatives License which permits noncommercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of the Publisher must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
