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Motherwit
A Dalit, a Buddhist and a feminist: Urmila Pawar’s self-definition as all three identities informs her stories about women who are brave in the face of caste oppression, strong in the face of family pressures, defiant when at the receiving end of insult, and determined when guarding their interests and those of their sisters.
Using the classic short story form with its surprise endings to great effect, Pawar brings to life strong and clever women who drive the reader to laughter, anger, tears or despair. Her harsh, sometimes vulgar and hard-hitting language subverts another stereotype—that of the soft-spoken woman writer.
Pawar’s protagonists may not always be Dalit, and the mood not always one of anger, but caste is never far from the context and informs the subtext of each story. As critic Eleanor Zelliot notes, there is ‘tucked in every story, a note about a Buddhist vihara or Dr Ambedkar.... All her stories come from the Dalit world, revealing the great variety of Dalit life now.’
Using the classic short story form with its surprise endings to great effect, Pawar brings to life strong and clever women who drive the reader to laughter, anger, tears or despair. Her harsh, sometimes vulgar and hard-hitting language subverts another stereotype—that of the soft-spoken woman writer.
Pawar’s protagonists may not always be Dalit, and the mood not always one of anger, but caste is never far from the context and informs the subtext of each story. As critic Eleanor Zelliot notes, there is ‘tucked in every story, a note about a Buddhist vihara or Dr Ambedkar.... All her stories come from the Dalit world, revealing the great variety of Dalit life now.’
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
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622 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2021
"All his life he had known her, first as his cousin and then his wife, perhaps he never saw her as a woman with human intelligence and feelings, but only a puppet. Her gifting her kidney to him was a big sacrifice, unlike anything others had done for him. She wondered what he thought of her; why he didn't think of her as a separate person at all."
In her explanatory foreword, Veena Deo examines various aspects of Urmila Pawar's work which help set it apart from other women writers who write Dalit literature: her focus on short stories as a form, her clearcut feminism that is easily felt, her Maharashtrian background lending uniqueness, her Buddhist faith. In all fourteen stories, we get strong women who possess strength much beyond the physical, exerting their will, courage, fortitude to get what they want in their own distinct ways. They don't follow any formulaic tropes of the powerful woman but carve out their own fresh paths.
Characters come from various class & caste backgrounds, although Pawar favors Dalit women from disadvantaged classes. I was happy to see that they weren't the perfect embodiment of womanhood and have their set of personal shortcomings. Their problems are diverse, rooted in social relations and class mobility, tinged by caste dynamics. It's not always clear how they will be solved, Pawar has a skill for subtle unforeseen resolutions that mix earnestness with irony, but they all display self-empowerment and uplift their characters without painting over flaws & humanizing them.
Some of my favourite stories here were: "Pain" narrates the acts forced by societal and familial demand for a boy child on an expecting mother. "Woman as Caste" looks at the double effacement subaltern women commonly face in their daily lives. "One in Hand" follows a woman who has been exploited, sidelined, and ignored all her life finally explicitly exercising her will. "Circle" explores how age-old problematic beliefs and practices get exported from the homeland to diaspora and how the pretense of progress is just that. Overall, it's a superb selection and I see the reason for acclaim.
February 7, 2015
An excellent collection of 14 terse short-stories that feature resilient central characters, make use of sharp dialogue and employ potent conclusions which bring out a rich range of complex emotions. Veena Deo is an effective translator, using just the right amount of local dialect to colour the stories.
The blurb describes Pawar as "a Dalit, a Buddhist and a feminist"; these identities manifest themselves in her stories in varying proportions. Her feminism is strongly evident in her central characters. The Dalit identity is more subtly used; as Eleanor Zelliot notes in her foreword, "Dalits now come in more than one caste, and she (Pawar) does not write as victim or in anger or in a polemic mood".
Her Buddhism is only really brought out in two stories, and it is one of these that I've got a bone to pick with. Titled Mukti, it serves as a short primer to Buddhist theory. Set in ancient times, it makes excellent use of formal, Sanskritised language. However, in a book driven by resilient human beings, it is an odd choice.
P.S. This book has rekindled a long-dormant interest in short stories in me. I'm already considering the likes of Raymond Carver, Alice Munro and Junot Díaz. Any other suggestions are welcome!
The blurb describes Pawar as "a Dalit, a Buddhist and a feminist"; these identities manifest themselves in her stories in varying proportions. Her feminism is strongly evident in her central characters. The Dalit identity is more subtly used; as Eleanor Zelliot notes in her foreword, "Dalits now come in more than one caste, and she (Pawar) does not write as victim or in anger or in a polemic mood".
Her Buddhism is only really brought out in two stories, and it is one of these that I've got a bone to pick with. Titled Mukti, it serves as a short primer to Buddhist theory. Set in ancient times, it makes excellent use of formal, Sanskritised language. However, in a book driven by resilient human beings, it is an odd choice.
P.S. This book has rekindled a long-dormant interest in short stories in me. I'm already considering the likes of Raymond Carver, Alice Munro and Junot Díaz. Any other suggestions are welcome!
January 29, 2021
14 stories written in Marathi are translated. Each story depicts the world in which women live. Stories set both in Urban and Rural areas depict the women and their overall condition. Thoughts, ideas, and how society conditions their lives. Well written and translated.
July 23, 2021
These engrossing, simple to read short stories hide so much truth to power from everyday lives of Urmila Pawar’s characters. Each one with a surprising “moral of the story” at the end which is nothing short of life-lessons. These women do not live in a casteless world and neither are they hapless, and we are made ever so aware of that. My favourite was Public Disgrace (Dhind).
May 25, 2020
Mother Wit is a collection of short stories – of women, by a woman.
Urmila Pawar is a Buddhist, Dalit and feminist writer and activist.
Her stories revolve around women, mostly of the lower socio-economic strata. She brilliantly brings across their daily issues and what goes on in their minds – she provides a window into their reactions, emotions, thoughts and experiences.
Each of her stories deals with women and their struggle against societal boundaries and limitations, gender and/or class discrimination. Often there is a complex interplay of a multitude of factors, which make these stories all-the-more relatable.
This was an enriching read for me – an eye-opener of sorts.
Having to deal with a patriarchal society, along with caste and gender discrimination, would be stifling to say the least. Add to that the daily hardships they undergo.
Despite the different settings of the protagonists, the central theme remains the same: how a woman is subverted, primarily because of her gender, and also because of her hesitance to bow down to the unequal status meted out to her.
Her stories are terse, powerful and hard-hitting. The endings are poignant – some victorious, and some tragic. She deftly dismisses the garb of the polite, demure female and brings to life these characters through her very gritty prose.
I won’t delve into the individual stories – as I believe everyone should read this fantastic collection.
It was an amazing experience to read these stories. I could empathise with the characters, feel their anguish, smile at their grit and ultimately rejoice at their victories.
Brilliantly written, empathic and powerful, that packs a punch.
One minor glitch: the editing and proof-reading could be improved in places.
Urmila Pawar is a Buddhist, Dalit and feminist writer and activist.
Her stories revolve around women, mostly of the lower socio-economic strata. She brilliantly brings across their daily issues and what goes on in their minds – she provides a window into their reactions, emotions, thoughts and experiences.
Each of her stories deals with women and their struggle against societal boundaries and limitations, gender and/or class discrimination. Often there is a complex interplay of a multitude of factors, which make these stories all-the-more relatable.
This was an enriching read for me – an eye-opener of sorts.
Having to deal with a patriarchal society, along with caste and gender discrimination, would be stifling to say the least. Add to that the daily hardships they undergo.
Despite the different settings of the protagonists, the central theme remains the same: how a woman is subverted, primarily because of her gender, and also because of her hesitance to bow down to the unequal status meted out to her.
Her stories are terse, powerful and hard-hitting. The endings are poignant – some victorious, and some tragic. She deftly dismisses the garb of the polite, demure female and brings to life these characters through her very gritty prose.
I won’t delve into the individual stories – as I believe everyone should read this fantastic collection.
It was an amazing experience to read these stories. I could empathise with the characters, feel their anguish, smile at their grit and ultimately rejoice at their victories.
Brilliantly written, empathic and powerful, that packs a punch.
One minor glitch: the editing and proof-reading could be improved in places.
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May 15, 2022Beautiful set of short stories.
January 9, 2025
Some very real, humane, multicultural stories highlighting women as key respondents to the patriarchy, class, and caste oppressions they face. Urmila Pawar is legendary with her writing.
May 9, 2021
A Translated version from Marathi to English... And the following review:
A collection of 14 auspicious stories that talks on different attributes in the lives of different women and their hardships...
While reading this, I feel the book is contending in itself. It talks about various events, decisions and vulnerabilities that comes across the life of women, in general and a mother, in specific (except 1 or 2)
This book not just lets us to see the harsh realities of society, whether a village or township, whether the women is educated or not, whether she is empowered or dependent, the society still see them with the same eyes as they use to earlier. Gender discrimination is something what we can expect also This book showcases the incidents of caste discrimination that held everwhere.
We often see that the Protagonists of the stories in dilemma that anybody, any common person can come across. What is really prodigious is the way they comes out of it.
A truly fascinating book with equally heart-warming stories comprising titles as:
• Mother (Aaye)
• Sixth Finger (Sahav Bot)
• Justice (Nyay)
• Pain (Shalya)
• The Odd One (Vegli)
• Armor (Kawach)
• Woman as Caste (Baichi Jaat)
• Freedom (Mukti)
• Anger (Cheed)
• One in Hand! (Haatch Ek!)
• My People (Maanjhi Manse)
• Circle (Vartool)
• Public Disgrace (Dhind)
• The Cycle of Dhamma (Dhamma Chakra)
I do recommend this to all as this book not just talk about women Empowerment and all but It is also helpful to know and understand some tricky questions of life.
A collection of 14 auspicious stories that talks on different attributes in the lives of different women and their hardships...
While reading this, I feel the book is contending in itself. It talks about various events, decisions and vulnerabilities that comes across the life of women, in general and a mother, in specific (except 1 or 2)
This book not just lets us to see the harsh realities of society, whether a village or township, whether the women is educated or not, whether she is empowered or dependent, the society still see them with the same eyes as they use to earlier. Gender discrimination is something what we can expect also This book showcases the incidents of caste discrimination that held everwhere.
We often see that the Protagonists of the stories in dilemma that anybody, any common person can come across. What is really prodigious is the way they comes out of it.
A truly fascinating book with equally heart-warming stories comprising titles as:
• Mother (Aaye)
• Sixth Finger (Sahav Bot)
• Justice (Nyay)
• Pain (Shalya)
• The Odd One (Vegli)
• Armor (Kawach)
• Woman as Caste (Baichi Jaat)
• Freedom (Mukti)
• Anger (Cheed)
• One in Hand! (Haatch Ek!)
• My People (Maanjhi Manse)
• Circle (Vartool)
• Public Disgrace (Dhind)
• The Cycle of Dhamma (Dhamma Chakra)
I do recommend this to all as this book not just talk about women Empowerment and all but It is also helpful to know and understand some tricky questions of life.
May 30, 2025
Urmila Pawar identifies as Dalit, Buddhist and feminist, and each of these identities is visible in this collection of short stories written over the course of several years. Each of the stunning stories features strong women protagonists who have to deal with issues at the intersection of misogyny and systemic oppression. These women are not victims, though society forces victimhood on them- even the most docile of them has an awakening, and they asset their rights when they need to. Almost all the stories have a twist at the end, and even though after the first few stories you start expecting it, the end is satisfying all the same.
Some of the stories have autobiographical elements, and feature Dalit women who moved from the village to the town in search of a better lifestyle. But that is not the norm. The protagonists include rural and urban women, educated and uneducated women, working women and non-working women, women in poverty and women from the middle class. In fact, in a few stories, the caste location of the protagonists is left ambiguous, and one is a retelling of an ancient Buddhist story.
What is common to the women in all the stories is that they deal with a patriarchal society which attempts to silence them and take away their agency. In some of the stories, a child who is being sent to school judges their older family members harshly, but eventually comes to realise that the women know how to take care of themselves.
Do read this book to get a snapshot of some of the invisible issues that women face. The translation retains some of the flavour of the original Marathi, and the meaning of the words that were left untouched could be understood from the context.
I read this as a part of the #2025indiantranslationreadathon, where we will attempt to read a book translated from each of the official languages of India during the course of the year.
Some of the stories have autobiographical elements, and feature Dalit women who moved from the village to the town in search of a better lifestyle. But that is not the norm. The protagonists include rural and urban women, educated and uneducated women, working women and non-working women, women in poverty and women from the middle class. In fact, in a few stories, the caste location of the protagonists is left ambiguous, and one is a retelling of an ancient Buddhist story.
What is common to the women in all the stories is that they deal with a patriarchal society which attempts to silence them and take away their agency. In some of the stories, a child who is being sent to school judges their older family members harshly, but eventually comes to realise that the women know how to take care of themselves.
Do read this book to get a snapshot of some of the invisible issues that women face. The translation retains some of the flavour of the original Marathi, and the meaning of the words that were left untouched could be understood from the context.
I read this as a part of the #2025indiantranslationreadathon, where we will attempt to read a book translated from each of the official languages of India during the course of the year.
July 13, 2019
This is a collection of 14 short stories by Urmila Pawar, nearly all of which center around a female protagonist. Though it is rarely explicitly mentioned in the stories, translator Veena Deo indicates in her introduction that these are mostly stories about Dalits. Each story is so different and in them Pawar discusses a wide range of issues: motherhood, sexual harassment, mental health, pesky in-laws, and so much more.
This is such a special book! I loved that, despite dealing with some very heavy topics, almost every story ended happily or at least closed with a positive message. Due to the rather academic framing of this book in the introduction, I was worried that the subject matter would be challenging for an outsider to grasp, but that wasn’t the case at all. Having said that, though, this would be an awesome addition to many syllabi and would be fascinating to discuss in a seminar course! Veena Deo’s translation is lovely, and she even gets the jokes and plays on words to come across in English.
This is such a special book! I loved that, despite dealing with some very heavy topics, almost every story ended happily or at least closed with a positive message. Due to the rather academic framing of this book in the introduction, I was worried that the subject matter would be challenging for an outsider to grasp, but that wasn’t the case at all. Having said that, though, this would be an awesome addition to many syllabi and would be fascinating to discuss in a seminar course! Veena Deo’s translation is lovely, and she even gets the jokes and plays on words to come across in English.
January 19, 2024
Motherwit is a stunning exploration of "baichi jaat" or "Woman by caste". A short story anthology from the acclaimed Marathi Dalit Writer Urmila Pawar, translated amazingly by Veena Rao, the stories in this book centre women, their struggles, and their joys from all walks of lives. From overcoming family woes to navigating marital bliss, from fending alone for one's family to seeking a new future for themselves, from being homemakers to being ambitious women with futures, we meet many different characters, each with a story of her own but the common thread of resilience and courage tying them together. What kept me hooked was also the twist and turns of the short stories. I am not a fan of short stories, but this one through 5-6 pages of every story, kept me on my toes every time. A perfect pick for stories on women, by women, translated by women, and with anti-caste and feminist themes.
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August 31, 2025great collection of stories. pawar's writing is gut-punchy and it lays bare the very real lived experience of women, dalit women - in urban and rural settings.
there is something so special about being able to read a work translated from your mother tongue, you feel this strange connection to the stories beyond just the themes being relayed. the translation itself was well done. deo managed to capture the humor and colloquialism of the texts without comprising the stories. also i love it when translations have bits of the original language intact!
there is something so special about being able to read a work translated from your mother tongue, you feel this strange connection to the stories beyond just the themes being relayed. the translation itself was well done. deo managed to capture the humor and colloquialism of the texts without comprising the stories. also i love it when translations have bits of the original language intact!
June 29, 2021
Where novels often end with a sad acceptance of what is or with a philosophical compromise, short stories end with an epiphany; a jolt from the dark; a surprise; or a question you had thought was already answered, but no, the author had some other plans.
Urmila Pawar's short stories do not only reflect on the lives of those peripheralized but does so in the most artistic way. The end (the most challenging part) of her stories will actually make you go "ohhhhh" and will leave you wondering why couldn't you see through.
Motherwit is a collection of short stories translated from Marathi to English by Veena Deo. Her introduction to this wonderful collection made me analyze the characters and their actions in a clearer way. One of the best introductions to an author's work I should say.
There are very few Indian writers acknowledged for short stories, amongst those who are, I think Pawar must be counted.
Urmila Pawar's short stories do not only reflect on the lives of those peripheralized but does so in the most artistic way. The end (the most challenging part) of her stories will actually make you go "ohhhhh" and will leave you wondering why couldn't you see through.
Motherwit is a collection of short stories translated from Marathi to English by Veena Deo. Her introduction to this wonderful collection made me analyze the characters and their actions in a clearer way. One of the best introductions to an author's work I should say.
There are very few Indian writers acknowledged for short stories, amongst those who are, I think Pawar must be counted.
January 31, 2021
The stories come to life . If you are conversant with Marathi, you may actually say the words in your head in Marathi while reading.
It will stay with you and make it difficult to get to another book, easily...
It will stay with you and make it difficult to get to another book, easily...
October 11, 2019
Short stories that are the best, are really the best.
May 31, 2024
Rural women and their daily highlights about. It is very emotional. Filled with shocks and shock absorbing people from different lives. Recommend this book to emotional people.
September 13, 2022
Urmila Pawar writes like if O. Henry were born a Feminist Dalit.
In Motherwit, Pawar takes potshots at the way her culture has historically treated not just those of the Untouchable caste, but more specifically women. She's like a ninja the way she deftly jumps from one element of Indian society to another, ranging up and down the entire socioeconomic spectrum, from urban landscape working girls to the put-upon wives and daughters in the villages. Pawar speaks for them all and paints a vivid and multifaceted picture of Southeastern Asian culture.
The storytelling itself has a neatly packaged, efficiently plotted feel. There is a "Gift of the Magi" simplicity to the rhythm of each story, each of which unerringly moves toward a little stinger of an ending. And more often than not, that simple, button ending resonates more strongly than it has any right to. The stories often feel obvious and inevitable, but Pawar is generous with her sly and angry wit, which often gives the endings more bite than you were expecting.
If you're looking for a brief and off-the-beaten-path read, I'd consider hunting this one down.
In Motherwit, Pawar takes potshots at the way her culture has historically treated not just those of the Untouchable caste, but more specifically women. She's like a ninja the way she deftly jumps from one element of Indian society to another, ranging up and down the entire socioeconomic spectrum, from urban landscape working girls to the put-upon wives and daughters in the villages. Pawar speaks for them all and paints a vivid and multifaceted picture of Southeastern Asian culture.
The storytelling itself has a neatly packaged, efficiently plotted feel. There is a "Gift of the Magi" simplicity to the rhythm of each story, each of which unerringly moves toward a little stinger of an ending. And more often than not, that simple, button ending resonates more strongly than it has any right to. The stories often feel obvious and inevitable, but Pawar is generous with her sly and angry wit, which often gives the endings more bite than you were expecting.
If you're looking for a brief and off-the-beaten-path read, I'd consider hunting this one down.
January 18, 2016
Originally written in Marathi, I've never interacted with the mind space of someone who is both a Dalit and a woman. While the language and grammar could do with a lot of improving, it is an important voice that needs to be heard.
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September 23, 2015This book was featured in the Nota Benes section of the May 2015 issue of World Literature Today Magazine.
http://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/2...
http://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/2...
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