Spatial Improvisation And Resistance Of Hijras In The Sub-Continent: Mapping Third Space In The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness

Abstract

The hijras or the Third gender by birth faces social exclusion, and discrimination in the sub-continent. They are the most marginalized of all in the region. This research probes into spatial dynamics of their marginalization and attempts to trace their subsequent spatial improvisation and resistance in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Next an effort[1] will be made to see how the subcontinent societies mirror the same dilemma and then relate it to hijra empowerment and struggle. Edward Soja’s Third space theory is used as a lens both for textual analysis of selected passages from the novel and to review some of the reported items about the hijras in social and print media across the sub-continent. The main findings of the study are the creative and adaptive use of space(s) by the hijras to foster communal support sites to activism, retaliation and advocacy of equal rights. Further research may be carried out on the impact of cultural relativism and universal human rights, representation in digital literature, a critique of initiatives for their meaningful social inclusion and policy reforms at the government level.