This article critically examines Nayantara Sahgal?s fiction and non-fiction to explore her deep concern for freedom and its related moral, political, and social values. It analyzes how Sahgal?s novels and journalistic writings reflect India?s freedom struggle, post-independence political developments, democratic ideals, and the ethical responsibilities of leadership and intellectuals. The study discusses Sahgal?s critique of authoritarianism, political opportunism, violence, erosion of civil liberties, and misuse of power, particularly during the Emergency period. It also highlights her emphasis on morality in political life, democratic methods for social change, women?s emancipation, and individual freedom as the foundation of human dignity. The paper argues that Sahgal?s works function both as social documents and political commentaries, contributing significantly to the development of the political novel in Indian English literature.
Assistant Professor, Department of English, M.S.Y. College, Gaya
