Echoes from the Forest: The Unbreakable Spirit of Adivasi Women in Nirmala Putul’s Poetry

Abstract

Tribal literature remains an underexplored vital part of Indian literary discourse, reflecting the struggles, resilience, and identity of indigenous communities. Nirmala Putul, a celebrated Santhali poet, captures these themes in What Am I To You?and Adivasi Woman, both of which dismantle the stereotypes of tribal women as submissive or passive. Instead, Putul presents them as self-reliant, laboring figures deeply connected to their land and cultural traditions. This study employs a feminist and postcolonial analytical framework to explore how Putul’s poetry critiques gender-based oppression and silencingof Adivasi voices. By closely examining the poetic devices, cultural references, and resistance narratives in her work, this paper reveals how Adivasi women assert their agency despite historical marginalization. The research aims to highlight the role of tribal poetry in reclaiming indigenous history and strengthening feminist discourse within marginalized communities. Putul’s poetry stands as a testament to the power of literature in preserving cultural identity and challenging societal hierarchies.