Echoes of Assam: Reflection and Cultural Identity in Rebirth

Nasreen Banu A.

Research Scholar, Part Time, St. John’s College, Palayamkottai

Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627010, Tamil Nadu, India.

ORCID ID : 0009-0002-3752-541X

Dr. R. Ponmani Subha Chellam

Associate Professor & Research supervisor, Department of English, The M.D.T. Hindu College, 

Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli– 627010, Tamil Nadu, India.

Email: ponmanik.pappa2010@gmail.com

Abstract
This research paper focuses on Assamese culture, identity and female subjectivity through the theme of displacement and emotional construction in Jahnavi Barua’s novel Rebirth. It analyses the protagonist Kaberi, an Assamese woman who experiences trauma due to her marital betrayal and displacement from her hometown. The novel exhibits the psychological and emotional journey of Kaberi which reconnects her with cultural roots and reveals symbolic process of rebirth. Also this study provides enough evidence of how Barua integrates attachment to land, ecological sensitivity, family structure and traditional values not merely as a background but as a transformation of Kaberi’s identity and resilience. The purpose of this study is to analyse the cultural representation of Assam including rivers, hills, names of rural people and their domestic traditions which are explored through Kaberi. Barua portrays the inner strength of Assamese woman by emphasizing cultural political consciousness as a source of empowerment by representing Kaberi. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of psychological resilience, cultural differences and selfhood. 

Keywords: Alienation, Assamese Culture, Displacement, Identity and Selfhood.