LOST IN LABYRINTH OF DISPLACEMENT, FOUND IN ECHOES OF MEMORY: AST UDY OF SELECT SOUTH ASIAN NARRATIVES

Abstract

The intersection between trauma and memory studies represents a dynamic and evolving field within literary scholarship, characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and profound implications for understanding the human experience. This research situates itself within this emergent landscape, drawing upon and contributing to the rich field of memory studies to explore trauma deriving from poignant experiences of displacement. Through an analysis of four South Asian texts spanning in distinct genres – Vanni: A Family’s Struggle through the Sri Lankan Conflict, a graphic novel by Benjamin Dix and Lindsay Pollock; Blood Island: An Oral History of the Marichjhapi Massacre, an oral history by Deep Halder; Fugitive Histories, a fiction by Githa Hariharan; and Our Moon Has Blood Clots: The Exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, a memoir by Rahul Pandita – this study seeks to explore the mutual influence of trauma, memory and displacement in the context of South Asian literature. Through concepts such as “collective Memory”, “duty memory”, “just memory” and “postmemory”, as well as insights from trauma theory, this analysis offers a unique perspective on the convolutions of displacement in each chapter of the dissertation, weaving together personal narratives, historical events and cultural reflections to create a multidimensional portrait of human condition. This study offers an unprecedented viewpoint on the select South Asian texts, considering them through the lens of an ethical and political obligation to study displacement in the pursuit of justice. This study delves into how select South Asian texts portray trauma, memory and displacement amidst political upheaval and conflict, offering profound insights into the lived experiences of affected individuals and communities. The select theoretical concepts for the study, corroborate to understand trauma and memory in the context of displacement, vividly manifested in the narratives examined. Ethical and political considerations are critically analyzed through these texts, discerning how they navigate portrayals of trauma, memory, and displacement with sensitivity and depth. The study also explores how distinct genres—graphic novels, oral histories, fiction, and memoirs—contribute unique narrative techniques to the discourse on trauma, memory, and displacement in South Asian literature. These genres not only illuminate the diverse experiences of displacement but also shape our understanding of these complex phenomena through their narrative strategies. Specific research objectives guide this exploration: to explore “just memory” as an ethical and political obligation in the study of mobility through the “pictorial turn” in Vanni; to observe how oral history and memory function in Blood Island to understand trauma’s enduring impact on Dalit refugees and their identity; to examine the intersection between past traumatic memories and present changes in Fugitive Histories; and to investigate “duty memory” in Our Moon Has Blood Clots for insights into personal and cultural trauma and the longing for home among Kashmiri Pandits. Through these lenses, the thesis aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of how these texts navigate, negotiate, and portray trauma, memory and displacement, contributing significantly to the scholarly understanding of South Asian literature’s engagement with these critical themes. Ultimately, the thesis investigates how stories of the displaced in South Asia resonate with similar tales worldwide, reminding us of our shared humanity and the need for compassion and justice in the face of systemic violence and displacement. It explores how the displaced communities, despite their diverse backgrounds and specific circumstances, share a common journey through trauma and memory. By exploring these stories, the thesis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and understanding the traumatic experiences of individuals, consequently emphasizing that memory serves as a powerful route to solace and healing for the agonized souls who are lost in the labyrinth of displacement.