Cultural displacement and identity formation in fruits of the barren Tree by Lekhnath Chhetri

Abstract

This thesis explores the themes of cultural displacement and identity formation in Fruits of the Barren Tree (2021) by Lekhnath Chhetri, focusing on the impact of the Gorkhaland movement on the Nepali-speaking Gorkhas in Darjeeling. The novel portrays the Gorkhas' struggle to maintain their cultural identity amidst political and social pressures, exacerbated by the dominance of Bengali culture in West Bengal. Through characters such as Basnet, Basnetni-aamai, and Jhuppay, Chhetri explores the complexities of Gorkha identity, highlighting the ambivalence of belonging and the myth of return, as discussed by William Safran in his theory of diaspora. The study draws on the works of Safran, Stuart Hall, Avtar Brah, and Homi K. Bhabha to frame the Gorkha experience as diasporic and explores themes of hybridity, victimhood, and cultural conflict. The thesis asserts that the Gorkhaland movement not only signifies political struggle but also a deeper meditation on the human costs of cultural survival and identity formation in a fragmented world. Ultimately, Fruits of the Barren Tree reflects the enduring struggles of displaced communities, revealing the complexities of cultural and political identity amid historical displacement and ongoing conflict.