THE ADIVASI STRUGGLE FOR RIGHTS AND RESISTANCE IN MAHASHWETA DEVI’S CHOTTI MUNDA AND HIS ARROWS

The process of amalgamation begins with acknowledgement of communities which results in the diversification of cultures and languages. However when the subject of integration is taken into consideration a subaltern treatment is witnessed towards the Adivasi. Mahashweta Devi in Chotti Munda Ebong Tar Tir, translated into English by Gayatri C. Spivak exposes the dark picture of mainstream bigotry and prejudice against the naive and most sociable community of the country. The often neglected and misunderstood Adivasi community is identified as savage and therefore control is imposed on them through bond labour. This paper deals with the constant struggle of the Adivasis for food, water and land which are the fundamental rights of a human being. The chronic pain of enduring subjugation and marginalisation by the outsiders in their very land was a threat to identity and lives of the adivasi.The paper also deals with the awakening of the Adivasi regarding their rights and identity to retaliate on the injustice done upon the Adivasi. The re-incarnation of the Birsa Munda spirit is witnessed when every Adivasi stood by Chotti. With arrows in their hands the Adivasi announced a rebellion against the non-adivasi for the injustice inflicted on them.