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@article{190795,
        author = {Sukanya TR},
        title = {Weaving the Self: Independent and Interdependent Identity Construction in Salman Rushdie’s Victory City},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {4064-4069},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190795},
        abstract = {Salman Rushdie’s Victory City (2023) presents a complex narrative that intertwines historical events, mythology, and magical realism to explore the construction of the ideal self through the protagonist, Pampa Kampana. As a young orphan, Pampa experiences profound trauma, witnessing her mother’s self-immolation and enduring abuse, which catalyses her early confrontation with the realities of a patriarchal society. Bestowed with miraculous longevity, prophecy, and mystical abilities, she channels her power into founding the city of Bisnaga, establishing a kingdom, and transmitting cultural knowledge through poetry. This research employs Self-construal theory to examine Pampa’s evolving identity, illustrating her transition from independent self-construal, marked by autonomy, resilience, and ambition, to interdependent self-construal, shaped by familial, social, and cultural pressures. Pampa’s navigation of gendered social hierarchies and political turbulence exemplifies the tension between individuality and collective responsibility. Her advocacy for gender equality, engagement with erotic art, and promotion of intellectual and cultural pursuits reflect her commitment to redefining women’s roles within society. Through this lens, the study highlights how external socio-political forces influence self-perception and interpersonal relationships, demonstrating that Pampa’s character embodies both the challenges and resilience experienced by women in historical and contemporary contexts.},
        keywords = {Salman Rushdie, Victory City, Self-construal theory, Identity, Gender equality},
        month = {January},
        }