The Fragmentation of Subaltern Identity in Bama’s Vanmam

Ajina A.
II – MA English,
Department of English, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil – 629004.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627012, Tamil Nadu, India.)
Email:  ajinaangel8@gmail.com

Abstract
The research unfolds the “Fragmentation of Subaltern Identity in Bama’s Vanmam” due to the oppression of intra-caste division. It examines the exploitation of caste-based oppression, its fallouts, and collective resistance. The discrimination between Pallar and Parayar takes place even in the name of late leaders like Ambedkar and Immanuel. The rivalry among the marginalized Dalits is fuelled by the upper caste, denoting systematic oppression. The residual effects of segmentation result in double marginalization and bloodshed among the people of the same community. The separation among Dalits occurs due to religious conflict, political power, education jealousy, and manipulation. It highlights the external force of ruling castes, exploiting the voice of Dalits to maintain power. The objective includes finding out the reason behind identity fragmentation and how educational understanding of an experience brings the voice of the subaltern – the understanding of the difference between the knowledge and experience of the subaltern. Marginalization due to power dynamics creates tension and discrimination among the Dalit members. The need for the voice of the subaltern, the factors that muted their identity and the ways are to be discussed. It throws light on the strength of the voice and the weakness of the voiceless subaltern. When rivalry turns to brotherhood, a voice for rights and harmony can be attained. The subalterns are often referred to as voiceless, but the hidden truth is that their voices are broken. If their voices get solidified together, they will be loud and powerful. The bonded voice of the subaltern brings identity and collective resistance.

Keywords: Caste, Oppression, Subaltern, Voice, Power.