Conjugal Conflict and Marital Discord in Indian English Novels

Abstract

Marriage has, since ancient times, been revered in India as a sacred bond between a man and a woman. A house becomes a home only when it is coloured with emotional bonding, mutual understanding, and shared responsibilities. The conjugal relationship, therefore, plays a pivotal role in shaping the growth and stability of a family. Yet, happiness in such relationships often emerges through pain and sacrifice. Fathers undergo hardship for their children’s future, and mothers embrace innumerable struggles to sustain their families. However, tension frequently arises when these two roles intersect as husband and wife. Differences in temperament, background, and values often cause friction. Conjugal conflict, then, is not merely a private issue but a cultural phenomenon, often rooted in patriarchal traditions and societal expectations. Indian English novels explore this complex terrain with depth and sensitivity, depicting both the agony and resilience embedded within marriage. Writers such as Anita Desai, Kamala Markandaya, Nayantara Sahgal, R. K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, and Raja Rao reveal how conjugal discord reflects wider struggles of individuality, identity, and gender roles. This paper examines their portrayals to decode the multifaceted realities of conjugal clash in Indian fiction.