Concern for Human Rights Violation: A Study of Mahasweta Devi

Abstract

In the literary landscape, Mahasweta Devi stands out as an illustrious writer who, with precision and visceral detail, traces the saga of tribulations and societal marginalization experienced by tribal communities. Upon a comprehensive reading of Devi’s body of work, an observer might be inclined to conceive of her as a metaphorical celestial emissary, descended upon the terrestrial plane with the sole purpose of assuaging the sorrows of the voiceless; those who, being bound by their fear, were rendered unable to raise their voices against the oppressive landlords and zamindars. Devi, in her profound humanity, contemplates deeply on the circumstances of the impoverished dalits and tribals, who were deprived of basic human rights. The balance of power was tipped in favor of the affluent and zamindars, thereby allowing the latter to exploit the disenfranchised at their discretion. The tribal and dalit communities were victims of both physical and sexual harassment, and they were effectively silenced, stripped of their right to protest their own subjugation and oppression. In the context of the societal framework, these communities were marginalised, excluded from the mainstream discourse of life. Devi, with her empathy and indignation, assumed the role of their voice, tirelessly advocating for their plight. She strived to disseminate information about their gruesome conditions through her research papers and books, which subsequently evolved into a form of literature that voiced the experiences of these communities. During her era, the governmental structure was steeply biased against the indigent. Their interests and welfare were disregarded, and policies largely favored the prosperous. Devi’s work serves as a critique of this system, shedding light on the grim reality of social stratification and advocating for an inclusive society that upholds the dignity and rights of every individual. The present research article draws vivid details of the sufferings and marginalization of the tribals as represented by Mahasweta Devi in her works.