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14 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Mahasweta Devi's Legacy: Voices of the Marginalized in Literature

Celebrating Mahasweta Devi's centenary with stories of marginalized communities.

Mahasweta Devi's Legacy: Voices of the Marginalized in Literature

Photo by Valdhy Mbemba

This article commemorates the centenary of Mahasweta Devi, a writer and activist known for her focus on the dispossessed, particularly Adivasis and impoverished people. It highlights three books that resonate with her work: Sushila Takbhaure's autobiography, 'My Shackled Life,' Rakshit Sonawane's 'Scum of the Earth,' and Mayyu Ali's 'Eradication.' Takbhaure's work details the challenges faced by Dalit women, while Sonawane's book chronicles the urban Dalit experience.

Ali's poetry gives voice to the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar. These works reflect Devi's commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities.

Key Facts

1.

Mahasweta Devi centenary: January 14, 2026

2.

Sushila Takbhaure: 'My Shackled Life' autobiography

3.

Rakshit Sonawane: 'Scum of the Earth' on urban Dalits

4.

Mayyu Ali: 'Eradication' on Rohingya genocide

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper I: Social Issues, Indian Society

2.

GS Paper II: Social Justice, Vulnerable Sections of the Population

3.

Essay Paper: Topics related to social justice, poverty, and marginalization

Visual Insights

Mahasweta Devi's Legacy: Marginalized Voices in Literature

This mind map illustrates the core themes of Mahasweta Devi's work and how the featured books resonate with her focus on marginalized communities.

Mahasweta Devi's Legacy

  • ●Focus on Marginalized Communities
  • ●Sushila Takbhaure: 'My Shackled Life'
  • ●Rakshit Sonawane: 'Scum of the Earth'
  • ●Mayyu Ali: 'Eradication'
More Information

Background

Mahasweta Devi's work is deeply rooted in the historical context of post-colonial India, particularly the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities. The Adivasi movements, such as the Santhal Rebellion of 1855 and the Birsa Munda Ulgulan (rebellion) of the late 19th century, laid the groundwork for understanding the historical injustices faced by tribal populations. These movements highlighted issues of land alienation, exploitation by moneylenders, and the erosion of traditional social structures.

The Naxalite movement of the late 1960s and 70s, which aimed to address agrarian inequalities and social injustice, also influenced Devi's perspective and provided a backdrop for her literary activism. Her writings often reflect the struggles of these communities against systemic oppression and the failures of the state to protect their rights.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on intersectionality within marginalized communities, recognizing the overlapping systems of discrimination faced by individuals based on factors such as caste, gender, and ethnicity. The rise of Dalit literature and activism, particularly through digital platforms, has amplified the voices of those historically excluded from mainstream narratives. Furthermore, the Rohingya crisis continues to be a pressing humanitarian issue, with international organizations and human rights groups advocating for their protection and repatriation.

The focus on indigenous rights has also gained momentum, with increased awareness of the need to protect tribal lands, cultures, and languages. The rise of social media has allowed marginalized communities to share their stories and organize collective action, challenging dominant narratives and demanding greater accountability from governments and institutions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the historical context of Adivasi movements in India: 1. The Santhal Rebellion of 1855 was primarily a response to land alienation and exploitation by moneylenders. 2. Birsa Munda's Ulgulan aimed to restore traditional tribal governance systems and challenge British authority. 3. The Naxalite movement had no significant influence on the discourse surrounding Adivasi rights and social justice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Naxalite movement significantly influenced the discourse surrounding Adivasi rights and social justice, making statement 3 incorrect.

2. In the context of marginalized communities and literature, consider the following pairs: List I (Authors/Works) I. Mahasweta Devi II. Sushila Takbhaure III. Rakshit Sonawane IV. Mayyu Ali List II (Themes/Focus) a. Urban Dalit Experience b. Rohingya Genocide c. Adivasi Rights d. Challenges Faced by Dalit Women Which of the following is the correct matching of List I to List II?

  • A.I-c, II-d, III-a, IV-b
  • B.I-a, II-b, III-c, IV-d
  • C.I-d, II-c, III-b, IV-a
  • D.I-b, II-a, III-d, IV-c
Show Answer

Answer: A

The correct matching is: Mahasweta Devi - Adivasi Rights, Sushila Takbhaure - Challenges Faced by Dalit Women, Rakshit Sonawane - Urban Dalit Experience, Mayyu Ali - Rohingya Genocide.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Rohingya crisis? A) The Rohingya are a stateless Indo-Aryan ethnic group who predominantly reside in Rakhine State, Myanmar. B) The Myanmar government recognizes the Rohingya as one of the country's official ethnic groups. C) The Rohingya have faced systematic discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, leading to mass displacement. D) International organizations have documented evidence of human rights abuses against the Rohingya population.

  • A.The Rohingya are a stateless Indo-Aryan ethnic group who predominantly reside in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
  • B.The Myanmar government recognizes the Rohingya as one of the country's official ethnic groups.
  • C.The Rohingya have faced systematic discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, leading to mass displacement.
  • D.International organizations have documented evidence of human rights abuses against the Rohingya population.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingya as one of the country's official ethnic groups. This lack of recognition has contributed to their statelessness and vulnerability to persecution.

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