The Adivasi Will Not Dance
Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
2015
Speaking Tiger
pp. 200
The Adivasi Will Not Dance is a collection of stories based in the tribal culture, primarily of Santhal tribe, in Jharkhand. The stories revolve around the lives of men and women belonging to the tribes of the region, their experiences and struggles, much of which stems from making sense of the fast changing world around them. Although the stories address adivasis, to me, the stories hold significance for any community that suddenly faces marginalisation. The experience of being marginalised stems from coming face to face with a more powerful other. Probably till the time people did not realise the potential of the land that belongs to the adivasis, their existence appeared insignificant. Even now, the significance comes from the voices of resistance that adivasis have managed to raise against oppression. This comes across clearly in Shekhar’s writings. But it also comes across equally clearly is the one bewilderment that people face while fighting a losing battle for their rights. The elements of patriarchy are deeply rooted in his stories as are the elements of exploitation and oppression. At times I found the stories to be repetitive in this exploitation. The sexual overtones could have easily been avoided. The stories were powerful in themselves and could have carried forward without the disturbing details of violence. At times, the garish details took away from the mainstay of the story. Although in no way supporting the temporary ban that was imposed on his book, I did feel that the stories presented a singular voice and I felt the need to listen to another perspective. Yet, the stories are powerful and are sure to leave a mark on you.
Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
2015
Speaking Tiger
pp. 200
The Adivasi Will Not Dance is a collection of stories based in the tribal culture, primarily of Santhal tribe, in Jharkhand. The stories revolve around the lives of men and women belonging to the tribes of the region, their experiences and struggles, much of which stems from making sense of the fast changing world around them. Although the stories address adivasis, to me, the stories hold significance for any community that suddenly faces marginalisation. The experience of being marginalised stems from coming face to face with a more powerful other. Probably till the time people did not realise the potential of the land that belongs to the adivasis, their existence appeared insignificant. Even now, the significance comes from the voices of resistance that adivasis have managed to raise against oppression. This comes across clearly in Shekhar’s writings. But it also comes across equally clearly is the one bewilderment that people face while fighting a losing battle for their rights. The elements of patriarchy are deeply rooted in his stories as are the elements of exploitation and oppression. At times I found the stories to be repetitive in this exploitation. The sexual overtones could have easily been avoided. The stories were powerful in themselves and could have carried forward without the disturbing details of violence. At times, the garish details took away from the mainstay of the story. Although in no way supporting the temporary ban that was imposed on his book, I did feel that the stories presented a singular voice and I felt the need to listen to another perspective. Yet, the stories are powerful and are sure to leave a mark on you.