“Woven Narratives: Exploring National Identity And Class Through Fashion In Literature”

Abstract

Fashion in South Asian literature operates as a powerful cultural and narrative tool, particularly in the portrayal of Indian women. Beyond serving as a personal or aesthetic expression, fashion becomes a medium through which women assert national identity, navigate diasporic spaces, and negotiate class mobility. This paper examines the nuanced role of fashion in two contemporary South Asian novels: The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal (2009) and The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi (2020). Using the critical frameworks of Diaspora and Transnational Studies alongside semiotics of fashion (fashion theory), the analysis explores how clothing choices become emblematic of deeper socio-cultural dynamics. In The Sari Shop Widow, the protagonist Anjali Kapadia's sari boutique in New Jersey symbolizes her commitment to preserving Indian cultural identity across national borders. In The Henna Artist, Lakshmi’s strategic use of fashion not only bridges tradition and modernity but also enables her upward social mobility by appealing to elite clientele. Through these narratives, the paper offers a fresh perspective on how seemingly simple fashion choices in literature reflect complex intersections of gender, culture, class, and national belonging.