Reviewing “Surpanakha” as a Resistant and Transformative Minor Mythological Character: Investigating through the Literary Adaptation in Kavita Kane’s Novel Lanka’s Princess

Abstract

This article examines Surpanakha as a resistant and transformative minor mythological character. It focuses on the literary adaptation of the novel Lanka’s Princess by Kavita Kane. The study has taken a resistant approach to the normative epic of the Ramayana, exploring Meenakshi's transformation into the demon Surpanakha. It delves into the gender objectification issue at the forefront of societal discussions regarding the contemporary relevance of her, despite being a demon by birth and often depicted as a figure of ugliness and brutality. This study aims to uncover the lesser-known aspects of her appeal. It questions whether she was a victim or a perpetrator in the epic and sheds light on the agony she faced from the patrilineal society. It also examines whether Meenakshi was perceived as the dichotomy of villain/victim, oppressor/oppressed, and asura/ non-asura. This study enriches the field of mythology and makes it more relevant to contemporary gender studies.