Indian Ethos in Shobhaa De's Works

Shobhaa De has been given epithets like Porn Queen, Pulp Pasha and Vatsyayani because the general impression and critical opinion about her fiction is that it is soft porno. It is true that she writes about sexuality and sexual behaviour, but she is more than this. De has also been described as a feminist, but she rejects this label. She does not want to be confined to the gender, and prefers to call herself a humanist.

The critics and scholars have ignored the moral values vested in Des fiction. The book Indian Ethos in the Works of Shobhaa De evaluates her work and attempts to establish that it contains many virtuous matters with focus on higher humane values which are helpful for emancipation of society through a scrutiny of past deeds. The book delves deep into Des fiction and finds that she has been criticised for negligible things which can be seen in any urban and suburban society, particularly in a multi-cultural society where some sections are afflicted by infidelity and extra-marital affairs. De has, therefore, censured the things for which she has been criticised.

The book discusses Shobhaa Des work in a balanced way to bring out the basic Indian ethos and intellectual qualities present therein which are in line with the Indian subcontinents culture.

The study will show that despite apparent glossy life of permissive high society, the novels in the end project traditional Indian values, emphasising the importance of the family and marital fidelity. Permissiveness and various kinds of sexual behaviour are simply deviations, which are not approved of by the novelist. Her views in this regard are found in her non-fiction writings and interviews.

Ideas have been presented in a simple language and lucid manner for easy understanding by the readers. An introduction, an epilogue and two appendices further enrich the book. It will prove useful to the students and teachers of English literature and researchers.