In Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih’s Funeral Nights (2021), the central character, Ap, finds joy in exploring the myriad names the Khasi people have for rain. His hometown, Sohra, known as Cherrapunji, is famed for its heavy rainfall, which carries a rich cultural significance. The word for rain signifies slap, but when the heavens open, it transforms into lapbah; a three-night downpour is referred to as lap-lai-miet, and laymysaw denotes the “rain of danger”, possessing both literal and metaphorical meanings. Ap experiences a profound longing for Sohra, a place characterized by “water, wind, cloud, darkness, and terrifying tempests”.
The literary landscape of India’s Northeast, often reduced to a singular label, is vibrant and diverse, especially visible in its oral and written expressions. The feminist publishing house, Zubaan, has enriched this tapestry by showcasing narratives from women across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. A recent addition, Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam, edited by Banamallika, features an engaging collection of stories, poems, and illustrations that map the extraordinary beauty and complexity of Assam.
Exploring Diversity and Its Challenges
Banamallika notes in the introduction that “Assam as a geographical location and concept is so diverse that no single community, language, religion, or trade can truly claim singularity. Every corner of Assam is infused with multiplicity.” However, this plurality also brings many challenges, as she points out, including demands for statehood, autonomous regions, and ongoing questions around nationality and citizenship. Recent literature, including accounts like Arupjyoti Saikia’s The Quest for Modern Assam: A History (1942-2000), Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty’s The Assamese: A Portrait of a Community, and Abhishek Saha’s No Land’s People, sheds light on these critical issues, including the implications of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam.
One compelling tale from Riverside Stories, titled ‘The Red File’, highlights the NRC’s disruption of ordinary lives, as families grapple with intricate state policies and the challenge of verifying their citizenship status. In another narrative, Chaity Das’s piece ‘Joba’ delves into her family’s struggle with belonging amidst the shifting borders of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Additionally, the stories encapsulate various conflicts within the state, from the ULFA movement to the Bodo agitation, offering unique perspectives from women—often the most affected during turmoil. Maitreyee Boruah captures the poignant journey of Pungbili Basumatary, known as ‘Kheloi’ for her remarkable speed. After leaving her village, Pungbili finds herself lost in the city’s complexities, her ambitions shattered.
In a gripping narrative by Klirni Terangpi titled ‘Kaike Atomo (An Everyday Story)’, a teacher sacrifices her cherished bangles for a ‘militant’ cause, showcasing the intertwining of personal loss and broader social conflicts.
Reflections on Struggles and Strengths
Banamallika reminds readers that strife is not Assam’s sole narrative; floods, while predictable, also reshape lives. Rashida Tapadar’s story ‘Manowara’s Library’ poignantly captures the life-altering consequences of flooding and its aftermath.
The narratives rooted in Assam resonate as universal tales of women’s strength, resilience, and the quiet battles they face. Rituparna Neog’s poem ‘Better Being a Scarecrow’ articulates the struggles of being a woman perceived as different, capturing the essence of societal expectations and personal identity:
Sometimes, I think/ It’s better to be a scarecrow./ No one asks — now what have you worn?/ Better to be a scarecrow,/ Nobody cares what lies beneath the clothes! Better to be a scarecrow./ No sideways glares that strip me naked./ Yes, better to be a scarecrow,/ No one will ask me — male or female?
These narratives by Assam’s women illuminate various contemporary issues, encompassing citizenship struggles, the impact of floods, and the challenges of daily life.
Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam
Edited by Banamallika
Zubaan Books
₹595
Published – September 06, 2024 09:30 am IST
