This research paper analyses Manju Kapur’s novel A Married Woman through feminist literary criticism, with particular attention to the protagonist, Astha, and her pursuit of self-discovery and identity within the constraints of Indian society. Through an examination of primary textual evidence and relevant secondary sources, the study investigates the cultural, social, and psychological influences that shape Astha’s development. The discussion addresses the effects of traditional gender roles, the emergence of individual desires, the transformative potential of relationships, and the negotiation between personal autonomy and familial expectations. By positioning Kapur’s work within the broader discourse on gender and identity in contemporary Indian fiction, this paper highlights the persistent challenges and achievements of women striving for selfhood in patriarchal contexts.

Keywords: Tradition, feminist literary criticism, psychology, challenges.