Marwaris in Bangladesh: A Community Caught Between Two Homelands
In a modest office located in Dhaka, Jitendra Jalan, a 58-year-old member of the Marwari community, absently stirs his tea as he reflects on a life lived between two worlds. His ancestors, originally from Rajasthan's Churu district, migrated generations ago to the bustling trading towns of undivided Bengal, seeking economic opportunities. Today, Jalan speaks with the weight of a man who carries two countries in a single passport, yet feels fully at home in neither.
A Legacy of Partition and Persistence
Jalan recounts the historical decisions that shaped his community's fate. "Our forefathers chose to stay back at the time of Partition in 1947, and even during the tumultuous events of 1971, we remained in what became the newly independent Bangladesh," he explains. This persistence through pivotal moments in South Asian history has not, however, translated into a sense of belonging. Despite holding Bangladeshi citizenship, Jalan and many in his community describe themselves with the poignant phrase 'na ghar ka na ghat ka'—neither of the home nor the shore—a fitting metaphor for their liminal existence.
The Ongoing Struggle for Identity and Acceptance
The Marwaris in Bangladesh, though integrated into the economic fabric of the nation, often face subtle and overt challenges that reinforce their outsider status. This includes:
- Cultural Disconnect: Maintaining distinct traditions and languages from Rajasthan while navigating Bangladeshi society.
- Social Marginalization: Experiences of exclusion in local communities despite legal citizenship.
- Historical Baggage: The lingering effects of Partition and the 1971 war, which have left deep scars on inter-community relations.
Jalan's personal narrative highlights a broader issue faced by minority groups in post-colonial nations, where legal status does not always equate to social acceptance. The community's story is a testament to resilience, yet it underscores the complex dynamics of identity in a multicultural state. As Bangladesh continues to evolve, the plight of the Marwaris serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for inclusivity and recognition of diverse heritages within its borders.
