• Gourika Sharma
• Dr Dipti Ranjan Maharana

The shifting dynamics of family structures and gender roles in India have long been a central theme in Indian literature, particularly in Hindi drama. This paper examines how two seminal Hindi plays, Madhavi by Bhisham Sahni and Adhe Adhure by Mohan Rakesh, portray the tension between tradition and modernity within the Indian family unit. Madhavi, rooted in mythology, explores the societal expectations placed upon women, while Adhe Adhure delves into the complexities of a modern, disillusioned family grappling with fractured relationships and unfulfilled desires. Both plays underscore the impact of evolving gender roles and familial expectations against the backdrop of a changing society. In translating these works into English, unique challenges arise in conveying the cultural and linguistic nuances that define Indian family life and gender norms. Concepts tied to duty, honor, and social conformity often lack direct equivalents in English, which can dilute their cultural significance for non-Indian readers. This paper analyzes the strategies employed in translating these cultural elements, aiming to retain the plays’ thematic essence while adapting to a different linguistic and cultural framework. By comparing key dialogues and character interactions in the original texts with their English translations, this study reveals the compromises and interpretive decisions that shape readers’ understanding of traditional and modern identities within the Indian context. This exploration not only highlights the translator’s role in navigating cultural dualities but also underscores the broader discourse on the preservation and transformation of Indian social values in a globalized literary space. Ultimately, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions about how Indian drama’s portrayal of family and gender can be both preserved and reinterpreted through translation, offering insights into the evolving identities of modern Indian society.

family, gender, tradition, modernity, translation, identity

"Family and Gender Dynamics in Indian Drama: A Study of Themes and English Translations", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.b631-b639, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412162.pdf

"Family and Gender Dynamics in Indian Drama: A Study of Themes and English Translations", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppb631-b639, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412162.pdf