Exploring Cultural Identity in Jahajin by Peggy Mohan

Abstract

This paper investigates the theme of cultural identity in Peggy Mohan’s Jahajin (2007), a narrative depicting the experiences of Indian indentured labourers in Trinidad. Employing a multidisciplinary methodology, this study integrates literary analysis, historical context, and feminist theory within a conceptual framework informed by Stuart Hall’s theories of cultural identity and diaspora. Through textual analysis, the research examines the protagonist’s endeavour to trace the origins and evolution of the Bhojpuri language, underscoring the pivotal role of women in cultural preservation. The feminist lens foregrounds the agency and resilience of female characters like Deeda, interrogating traditional gender norms and elucidating the gendered dynamics of migration and labour. Hall’s concepts of cultural identity and diaspora illuminate the fluid and dynamic nature of Bhojpuri and Indo-Caribbean identities. This comprehensive approach reveals the intricate intersections of gender, migration, and cultural identity, highlighting the transformative impact of migration on personal and communal identities.