THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY: THIRD-GENDER REPRESENTATION IN ARUNDHATI ROY’S THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS

Abstract

This research explores how Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness fictionalizes Indian history. From the standpoint of new historicism, the researcher makes the case that the author of the novel both explicitly and indirectly attacked Indian politics in the 1980s and the political elite of that era from 1980 to 2017. The researcher also makes an effort to convey the discontent and annoyance with the unstable Indian government due to its  hegemony, politicians' greed, and exploitation of the poor. It is absurd that some political leaders mistreated them based on their gender, caste, and religion. Because Hiindutwa is widespread throughout the nation and she is prepared to give voice to those who lack it, the author supports Muslims. Additionally, her writing is convincing even though she exaggerated certain issues as if they were her problems. The paper concludes that the  marginalized people, who should also be granted rights, liberty, and freedom have been left out of India's official history.