PAPER ID: IJIM/Vol. 3 (VII) November 2018/9-12/3

AUTHOR: Dr. Seema Gupta

TITLE: A CRITIQUE OF TRIBAL LITERATURE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO RUDALI BY MAHASHWETA DEVI

ABSTRACT: The post-independence period in India saw a resurgence of interest in tribal cultures and literature. Prominent tribal writers began to emerge, using literature as a means of expressing their identity, challenging stereotypes, and addressing social injustices. Mahasweta Devi, a renowned Bengali writer and social activist, dedicated much of her work to highlight the plight of tribal communities in India. Her stories often depict the struggles and resilience of tribal people, offering a powerful critique of social inequality and exploitation. Contemporary tribal literature in India continues to evolve, with writers and poets exploring new themes and forms. Authors such as Nirmala Putul, Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, and Jacinta Kerketta are gaining recognition for their works that blend traditional narratives with contemporary issues. These writers address topics such as displacement, marginalization, environmental degradation, and the impact of modernization on tribal communities.

Moreover, the rise of digital media has provided new platforms for these voices, allowing for greater visibility and outreach. Online forums, social media, and digital publications are increasingly being used to share stories, poems, and essays, fostering a vibrant and dynamic literary culture. The present paper proposes to examine tribal literature in India with special reference to Mahasweta Devi (1926–2016) who was one of India’s most influential writers and activists, known for her deep commitment to the lives and struggles of tribal communities. Her literary works serve as both documentation and protest, bringing to light the systemic oppression, exploitation, and resilience of marginalized tribal groups in India. Through her fiction and activism, she played a crucial role in shaping tribal literature, ensuring that the voices of Adivasi people were heard in mainstream discourse.

KEYWORDS: Indigenous, Tribal, Oral tradition, Activism, Adivasis

Click here to download the full text

Download Certificate of Author