Unveiling the subaltern voices: a call for the liberation of tribals from ignorance, denial, suppression, and exploitation in the works of Mahasweta Devi

Abstract

Mahasweta Devi, a renowned Indian author and social activist, is celebrated for her remarkable contributions to literature and her commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. One of the earliest Indian writers to recognize and explore the deep cultural and national divides between the mainstream and peripheral groups, Devi’s works bring into focus the harsh realities faced by tribal communities. She exposed the systemic neglect and exploitation of these marginalized groups, particularly in the context of their exclusion from both history and the nation’s contemporary framework. Through her literary activism, Devi became a pivotal figure in using writing as a means of challenging and changing the social order. This paper examines Devi’s portrayal of tribal communities, especially through the lens of four critical themes: Ignorance, Denial, Suppression, and Exploitation. Devi’s literary approach merges the realms of art and activism, emphasizing that writing is not merely a creative pursuit but a tool for social transformation. She was one of the first to acknowledge the deliberate erasure of tribal voices from the official narrative of India’s history. The communities she championed had been, for centuries, excluded and silenced by dominant societal forces. Devi’s stories, particularly her short stories, highlight the impacts of this exclusion, presenting a vivid picture of the tribal experience in a society that has, for the most part, remained unaware or indifferent to their existence. The focus of this research is to explore how Ignorance and Denial intersect, with mainstream society failing to acknowledge the rich cultural heritage and contributions of tribal people. This ignorance is not simply a lack of awareness but a deliberate act of omission, further marginalizing the tribal communities and reinforcing their invisibility. The theme of Suppression in Devi’s works is a direct consequence of this Ignorance and Denial. Tribals are subjected to systemic oppression—politically, socially, and economically. Devi's characters, representing the marginalized sections of society, are often forced to navigate a hostile environment, where their voices are stifled, and their struggles remain unnoticed. Her stories illustrate the harsh realities of life in rural areas, where tribal people are continuously fighting to preserve their identity and dignity against forces that seek to erase them. Through these narratives, Devi exposes the social and institutional forces that attempt to suppress tribal populations, highlighting the stark contrast between their resilience and the overwhelming power of mainstream society. The final critical element of Devi’s portrayal is Exploitation. In her stories, the economic, cultural, and political systems are shown to not only ignore the rights of tribals but also actively exploit their labor, land, and resources. The exploitation is portrayed as an intrinsic part of the social and economic system that perpetuates the suffering of these communities. Devi’s short stories bring these issues to the forefront, showing the devastating effects of such exploitation on tribal communities, as well as their struggles for survival and recognition. This study analyses 16 tribal short stories by Mahasweta Devi, examining how each story reflects the interconnected themes of Ignorance, Denial, Suppression, and Exploitation. The research is organized into five chapters, starting with an introduction to Devi’s life and work, followed by a review of literature that links her writings to the subaltern theory.