Revisionist Mythmaking in Suniti Namjoshi's Fables

Abstract

Suniti Namjoshi, best known as a fabulist, is also acclaimed for her revisionist mythmaking in
her works. Revisionist mythmaking has been one of the strategies used by women writers in the
1970s after the emergence of the second wave of feminist theories. Authors have employed
revisionist mythmaking to resist and question patriarchal traditions and socio-cultural norms.
The myths that may imply heroic valour or moral force to a male author have been considered
by female authors to be patriarchal narratives of victimization of women. This essay will firstly
discuss the concept and significance of feminist revisionist mythmaking; secondly, provide a
brief overview of Namjoshi's major issues and concerns in her writings; and finally examine
some fables from Namjoshi's collection Feminist Fables, through the lens of revisionist
mythmaking.