Portrayal of Post Colonial Santal Society by a Subaltern Tribal Writer in English

Abstract: Santals are one of the most ancient indigenous communities in our country. Their culture and tradition are still glowing in the era of post-modern world. This paper discusses about the position of women in Santal Society through the eyes of the characters depicted by Hansda Sowvendra Sekhar in his well-read books ‘The Mysterious Ailment of Rupy Baskey’ and ‘My Father’s Garden’. Here we find the multiple layers of discrimination and marginality also prevailed among the villagers. Polygamy among the characters shows the suppression of women. “Amongst Santals women bodies are not considered appropriate vessels to receive gods. Naturalistic idea of Emily Zola is vividly applied. Emancipation of British raj made them joyous with the hope of making utopian society. Migration is common to the society. Post Colonial resistance in the women characters has also been seen. The legacy of Santali culture and tradition has snugly inscribed in his writings. Again in ‘My Father’s Garden’, Homosexuality, Exploitation, Emotional Intensiveness etc are the main themes.