Reclaiming Identity and Resistance: A Critical Analysis of Jacinta Kerketta's The Weapons in My Hands, If Only Tamarind Were Not Sour, and Jamuni, Who Are You After All?

Abstract The poems "The Weapons in My Hands", "If Only Tamarind Were Not Sour!", and "Jamuni, Who Are You After All?" by Jacinta Kerketta offer profound insights into the struggles faced by marginalized communities in India, particularly the tribal populations. Kerketta, a member of the Oraon tribe from Jharkhand, India, uses her poetry to voice the anguish, resistance, and resilience of tribal people. In "The Weapons in My Hands", Kerketta explores the themes of land alienation, cultural identity, and resistance, symbolizing the ongoing fight for survival and dignity through the imagery of weapons. Similarly, "If Only Tamarind Were Not Sour!" delves into the socio-economic hardships of a young girl who faces rejection and poverty. In "Jamuni, Who Are You After All?", the poet critiques the objectification and commodification of women’s suffering, reflecting on how the pain and trauma of marginalized individuals are sensationalized by the media. This paper examines the thematic connections between displacement, resistance, and socio-economic inequality in Kerketta's work. It also explores how her poetry highlights the deep connection between tribal people and their land, culture, and identity, emphasizing the need for social change and resistance in the face of exploitation. Through her vivid portrayal of the tribal struggle, Kerketta’s work calls for a greater recognition of indigenous voices and the preservation of their cultural integrity. Keywords: Tribal identity, resistance, land alienation, cultural preservation, displacement, socio-economic inequality, Jacinta Kerketta, gender oppression, media commodification, feminist literature.