Voicing the Margins: Oral Traditions and Indigenous Resistance among the Birhor of the Purulia District in West Bengal

Dr. Subhashis Banerjee, Dr. I. Talisenla Imsong

 Abstract 

This research paper explores the oral narratives of the Birhor tribe in the Purulia district of West Bengal, focusing on their cultural expressions, worldview, and literary significance. Through their folktales, myths, and songs, the Birhor people have preserved their unique identity and historical consciousness. The study highlights how oral narratives function as both a repository of indigenous knowledge and a reflection of socio-political realities. Through a postcolonial lens, this paper examines the ways in which storytelling serves as a means of cultural continuity, resistance against external influences, and a voice for marginalized communities in a multicultural world. By engaging with critical perspectives on oral traditions and indigenous literature, this study contributes to the discourse on indigenous epistemology, literary traditions in India, and the significance of preserving subaltern voices.

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Published: May 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 05]

The Ghostly Echoes of the Past: A Postcolonial Reading of Hullaballoo

Bikramjit Sen

Abstract

Kiran Desai's ‘Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard’ is a poignant exploration of postcolonial India. It delves into the intricate interplay of memory, history, and colonialism's enduring legacy. Through a unique blend of magical realism and historical fiction, Desai constructs a narrative that critiques the distortions of historical narratives, the burden of the past on the present, and the search for authentic identity in a nation grappling with its colonial past.

    The novel's setting, the fictional town of Shahkot, serves as a microcosm of India's broader societal and political landscape. Desai employs magical realism to challenge linear narratives and conventional historical accounts, highlighting the subjective nature of memory and the fluidity of time. By blurring the lines between the real and the fantasy, the author invites readers to question the veracity of historical records and to consider alternative perspectives.

    Furthermore, ‘Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard’ explores colonialism's psychological impact on individuals and communities. The characters in the novel are haunted by the ghosts of the past, unable to fully escape the shadows of their colonial heritage. Desai's portrayal of these characters reveals colonialism's enduring trauma and its lasting effects on generations to come. Ultimately, the novel suggests that true liberation lies in confronting the past, acknowledging its complexities, and forging a new path.

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Published: December 2024 [Vol. 07, No. 12]

Clear Light of Day: Exploring Social Dynamics through Illuminating Relationships

Md. Jobaar Talukder, Prakash Chandra Biswas 

Abstract

Anita Desai's ‘Clear Light of Day’ intricately navigates the complex terrain of familial relationships and individual identity against the backdrop of postcolonial India. This abstract delves into the thematic depth and narrative intricacies of the novel examining the characters' profound struggles to reconcile the past with the present. Through a meticulous analysis of character development and thematic exploration, this study illuminates the dichotomies of tradition and modernity, nostalgia and progress as portrayed through the lives of the Das siblings. The research highlights the novel’s broader implications in the context of postcolonial literature offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of personal and national identity. The abstract provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of emotions, ideologies, and societal shifts depicted in ‘Clear Light of Day’, showcasing Desai’s literary prowess and the enduring relevance of her work.

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Published: November 2023 [Vol. 06, No. 11]