Transitions of literary forms in the select works of Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Abstract

Unification in Diversification is the hallmark of India. The heterogeneous cultural intricacies from varied ethnic groups adorn her mellifluous traditions. The tribes are the most discussed group of people with rich cultures and tradition. The mainstream society is intrigued to explore their wide arena of folk tales and folk culture. The present study is an attempt to delve into the tribal world to understand their social, political, cultural, and economic conditions. The tribe in concern is the Santhal tribe who hails from the Eastern part of India. Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar is the first Santhali English writer to carve his niche in the literary world. He is a medical practitioner by profession. His access to a spendthrift resource of mainstream society makes him a privileged Santhal. newlineAs an ethnographic writer, it can be expected that Hansda s works pursue to encourage Santhal self-pity and resentment. Unexpectedly, his peripheral form of belonging disillusions such conjectures and swerves to present a realistic presentation invoking detachment. His Santhal identity makes him an insider to his community. His privileged position within the community makes him an outsider. His complex identity of being an insider and an outsider to his community restricts to allow him from staying confirmed to any specific form in his creation. The Anglophone author claims in his interviews that he is not a representative of his community. He writes about Santhal because he is Santhal. The experiences he had lived and the culture he has grown up with; the incidents he has witnessed and the stories he had heard from his father; the literary love he had harnessed, and the undisclosed unfathomable love he had realized have all worked unanimously to become a writer. His works are the outcome of his position within his community.