Voices in Silence: Female Resistance and Recovery in the Face of Domestic and Political Constraint in Githa Hariharan’s Fugitive Histories

Abstract

In Fugitive Histories, Githa Hariharan delves into the layered experiences of the people in the Muslim community post-riot. The article focuses on the multifaceted trauma experienced by women in both domestic and socio-political contexts. It also highlights how female characters navigate oppression, ranging from patriarchal control in domestic spaces to the brutal impact of communal violence. It delves into the psychological consequences of violence and the ways in which female characters respond to it. Through the lens of trauma theory, the article investigates how these women, despite enduring emotional and physical scars, exhibit resilience through acts of resistance - both overt and subtle, and how they recover from these painful smothering experiences. By bringing forth the different forms of resistance women display in response to the trauma they experience, the article emphasises the importance of understanding the reasons behind their resistance, rather than dismissing it as mere drama.