Repositioning the Subaltern in Modern Indian History: A Close Look at Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

Abstract

This paper explores the representation of the subaltern in Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, focusing on how the novel engages with the complexities of modern Indian history. Through a critical analysis of Roy's characters and narrative structure, the study examines how the marginalized voices are not only central to the storyline but also serve as a lens through which the socio-political realities of contemporary India are refracted. The research investigates the intersection of caste, gender, religion, and class in shaping the experiences of the subaltern, and how these intersecting identities challenge the dominant historical narratives. By repositioning these often silenced voices within the broader discourse of modern Indian history, Roy’s work highlights the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. This paper contends that The Ministry of Utmost Happiness offers a profound critique of historical marginalization and calls for a reevaluation of the power structures that continue to exclude these voices from mainstream historical accounts.