Sacrificial Daughters: Trauma, Myth, and Exploitation in Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara

Abstract

This article examines the profound themes of sacrifice and suffering in Ritwik Ghatak's film Meghe Dhaka Tara (The Cloud-Capped Star) focussing on the character of Nita. Nita, the eldest daughter of an impoverished family in post-Partition India, undergoes a Nita's tragic journey. The film depicts how the weight of societal expectations and family obligations compels the protagonist to forsake her aspirations. The narrative examines the complexities of gender roles, the impact of economic hardship, and the emotional toll of self-sacrifice showing how Nita's identity is shaped by her responsibilities as a caregiver. The article also delves into the interplay of Hindu mythology particularly the archetype of the Mother Goddess to frame Nita's experiences of exploitation and abandonment. This analysis ultimately reveals the deep-seated trauma faced by women in a patriarchal society, emphasising the enduring impact of Ghatak's work in contemporary discussions of gender and social justice.