Exploring GeoHumanities and Post-Colonial Discourse: An Analysis of Assamese Geographical Space in the Poetry of Kamal Kumar Tanti

Abstract

 GeoHumanities, as an emerging field of study, focuses on exploring the multifaceted intersections between space, society, culture, and human experiences. In the realm of artistic expression, various art forms like literature, painting, and sculpture often find resonance with specific geographic landscapes. This article delves into the socio-cultural implications of British Colonial rule in India, particularly in the North-Eastern regions, where widespread tension and social unrest ensued. Colonial policies led to the displacement of Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands, forcing them into labor-intensive tea gardens. Over time, the distinctive tribal identities of these communities gradually eroded as they assimilated into dominant cultural narratives within their new geographic contexts. The study centers around the poems of Kamal Kumar Tanti, whose works vividly capture the struggles and transformations faced by these communities in the aftermath of colonialism. Shalim M. Hussain’s translation of Tanti’s work, published as Post-Colonial Poems (2019), serves as the primary focus of this research. By employing a humanistic approach, this study seeks to analyze the profound impact of geographical spaces on the experiences, conflicts, and disruptions faced by the Assamese community in the North-Eastern region. Through an exploration of Tanti’s poems, this research aims to shed light on the complex dynamics between cultural identities and new geographic spaces. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the loss of tribal characteristics experienced by these communities and the challenges they encounter while assimilating into new cultural environments. Ultimately, this study underscores the significance of GeoHumanities in illuminating the intricate relationships between space, culture, and human existence, particularly in post-colonial contexts.