Women, Cultural History, Memory and Myth:A Lakshadweep Chronicle

Abstract

The cultural history, memory and myth of Lakshadweep are closely related to the lives of the island women. But the matrilineal patriarchy at work in the society acts as a shackle that tames the thoughts and experiences of women. This article looks into the ways in which this powerful system of matriliny serves as a tool to dictate the norms of patriarchy and has prevented women from gaining visibility and voice across the ages. It traces the trajectory of women’s oppression as a colonial and post-colonial subject, using select pieces from Lakshadweep oral literature.