Narrating “India”: Liminal Narratives of Northeast and Assertion of Identity

The canonical notion of the Nation has always been a highly problematic and significant motif in Indian English literature. A close perusal reveals staggering conflicts that arise as counter-narratives raise pertinent questions dispute validity official discourse. One may argue it is too simplistic to think singular concept ‘India’ can appease demands pluralistic narratives. Rather, one should envisage ‘Indias’ open itself fluid perspectives accommodate polyphonic It at such juncture writings from Northeast India play decisive role they effectively re-mould concepts identity authenticity narrating experience. When writers like Siddhartha Deb, Anjum Hasan, Anungla Zoe Longkumer examine nuances liminal discourse had hitherto excluded nationalist canon, become potent narratives hint palimpsestic layers present paper tries analyse works Point Return (2003), Lunatic My Head (2007) Many I am (2019) persuasive nation.