Patriarchy and Gendered Subalternity in Mahesh Dattani’s Where There’s a Will

This paper explores the representation of patriarchy and gender in Where There’s a Will, analyzing how Dattani uses character dynamics, narrative structure, and dialogue to criticize traditional gender roles and inheritance practices. It also considers the broader socio-cultural implications of the play, situating it within the context of feminist and postcolonial discourses in Indian English literature. It is a poignant dramatization of patriarchy and gender in an Indian family setting. Through its dark humour and restrained dialogue, the play vividly portrays how patriarchal structures suppress women’s voices and autonomy even after death. Hasmukh Mehta, the patriarch, whose power controls every member of his family because of his will, is at the heart of the play. Using the narrative technique, Dattani demonstrates how patriarchy transcends physical presence.