Subverting Tradition: Caste Hierarchies and Marginalization in Amish Tripathis Shiva Trilogy (KEY IJP************161)

• Varsha M S

Abstract

This paper, titled A Subaltern Study: Subversion and Caste Hierarchy in Amish Tripathis Shiva Trilogy, explores the themes of caste hierarchy and marginalization as depicted in the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi. The paper aims to examine how Tripathi addresses the issues of caste-based discrimination and the subversion of social norms, focusing on the portrayal of marginalized groups within the narrative. The study begins by analyzing the system of caste hierarchy in The Immortals of Meluha, contrasting it with the traditional Indian caste structure. It further explores how marginalized groups are portrayed, particularly their exclusion from the mainstream Meluhan society, and the struggles they face in achieving equality and recognition. Through these depictions, the paper demonstrates how Tripathi subverts conventional notions of caste and critiques the social injustices faced by the oppressed. This paper concludes that the Shiva Trilogy serves as a significant work of subaltern literature, where caste hierarchy and marginalization are central themes. By using fiction as a medium, Tripathi offers a critique of these social constructs and challenges the traditional perceptions of caste in Indian society.