Vol. 6, Issue 12, Part B (2020)

Abstract
Mahasweta Devi, one of the eminent writers of Bengal, was an ardent activist who dedicated her whole life to uplift the marginalized section of society. In her plethora of writing, she always exhibits concealed sufferings and agonies of the landless farmers, tribal, bonded labourers and suppressed women. Through her characters, she visualizes their exploitation and brings forth the dark reality behind the splendidly portrayed progress of the country. Her characters are rebels who refuse to acquiesce before adverse circumstances and confront with the exploitative system to assert their existence. In the novella Rudali, Devi elaborately manifests the question of survival through the portrayal of poverty stricken lower class Sanichari. This paper critically scrutinizes the hostile outlook of landlords and long struggle of survival by the protagonist.