Reclaiming the Lost Legacy of Jahiji-Bahins: A Study of Peggy Mohan’s Jahajin
摘要
This chapter provides a critical analysis of Peggy Mohan (2008) Jahajin focusing on its exploration of the untold stories and marginalised experiences of Indo-Caribbean women, particularly those who were indentured labourers during the colonial era. Through a close examination of the novel’s narrative arc, character development, and thematic elements, the chapter argues that Mohan adeptly navigates through layers of patriarchal, colonial, and nationalist constructs to highlight the resilience and agency of women who have been historically silenced or overlooked. Drawing on Foucauldian archaeological archiving as a theoretical framework, the chapter explores how Mohan’s narrative strategy disrupts traditional modes of storytelling and challenges hierarchical structures of knowledge production. The chapter also discusses the broader implications of resorting to nostalgia and how it excludes the experiences of the minority population. The chapter argues, by centring the voices and experiences of women, Mohan reclaims agency over historical representation and offers a counter-narrative that celebrates diversity and resilience.