EXPERIENCES AND RESISTENCE OF SUBALTERNS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STORIES OF SELECTED PAKISTANI BONDED LABOURERS

Abstract

This paper presents a critical analysis of three selected life stories of bonded labourers namely Ali (a Hari), Gul (a brick maker) and Anwar (a carpet weaver). Being the representative of thousands of Pakistani downtrodden, the target workers become the victims of viciousness of their native kings (i.e., landlords and jamadars etc.). Here, this qualitative study applies the theoretical concept of subalternity on the chosen narratives of bonded labourers and aims to disclose the hegemonic ways of their oppressive masters. Following textual analysis together with critical insights of Subaltern Studies, the study focuses on the experiences and resistance of the selected labourers against the power-politics of their dominant masters. The findings show that, though bonded labourers attempt to bring improvement in their lives, yet their resistance and insurgency bring more troubles to them due to which their voices are dispersing in shadows. As these subalterns are ignored by the authorities, therefore there seems a great need for the implications of the laws of justice to bring prosperity for them in Pakistan.