Phool Kunwar: Breaking Silence and Shattering Margins

Abstract

Phool Kunwar by Ajit Jogi and Dr. Renu Jogi narrates the life of an indigenous woman from Chhattisgarh who resists the oppressive forces of patriarchy, superstition, and societal marginalization. After marrying Baratiya, a middle-aged widower, she faces tragedy when an epidemic takes the lives of her stepchildren and husband. Wrongfully accused of being a "tonhi" (witch), she endures brutal torture but refuses to surrender to her oppressors. Phool Kunwar's resistance is marked by her refusal to accept submission, whether through eloping or yielding to societal pressures. Instead, she asserts control over her own body, ultimately choosing her fate. Her story symbolizes the resilience of marginalized women, especially within tribal patriarchal structures, as they silently resist subjugation and claim autonomy. The research questions raised by the text include: How does patriarchy operate within indigenous tribal societies? How does Phool Kunwar’s resistance challenge traditional gender roles? How do marginalized women reclaim agency in oppressive societies? Through Phool Kunwar's journey, the answers lie in her ability to fight for her dignity and autonomy, making her story a powerful narrative of resistance and self-determination.