Interplay Between Colonial Legacies, Social Injustice, and Political Violence in Indira Goswami's Works

Indira Goswami, a prominent Assamese writer known for her empathetic portrayal of marginalized lives, weaves intricate narratives that expose the lingering effects of colonialism, entrenched social injustices, and pervasive political violence in Indian society. This research paper examines the interplay of these themes across her major works, including The Moth-Eaten Howdah of a Tusker, The Man from Chinnamasta, Pages Stained with Blood, and The Blue-Necked God. Drawing from postcolonial, feminist, and subaltern theories, the analysis reveals how colonial legacies perpetuate patriarchal structures and economic disparities, exacerbating social injustices like widowhood and caste discrimination, while fueling political violence such as insurgency and riots. Through close textual readings and historical contextualization, the paper argues that Goswami's fiction serves as a critique of systemic oppression, advocating for reform and empathy. The conclusion synthesizes these elements, emphasizing Goswami's role in highlighting indigenous subaltern issues for contemporary relevance.