Reimagining Disability in Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy: A Disability Studies Perspective

Page No. : 42-45

Abstract

Disability has traditionally been represented in mythology and literature either as a symbol of divine punishment or as a marker of moral deficiency. Contemporary Disability Studies challenges these assumptions by arguing that disability is not merely a medical condition but also a social and cultural construct. Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy (The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas, and The Oath of the Vayuputras) offers a unique reinterpretation of disability through the representation of the Nagas, individuals born with physical deformities and bodily differences. Rather than depicting them as monsters or cursed beings, Tripathi exposes the prejudice and exclusion imposed upon them by society. This article examines the trilogy through the lens of Disability Theory, particularly the works of Lennard J. Davis, Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, and Tom Shakespeare. It argues that the trilogy critiques ableist social structures and advocates for inclusion, dignity, and the recognition of bodily diversity.