Pranab Barman , Priyaranjan Patra , Subhasundar Pradhan , Uttam Maikap
1,2,3,4 Bhatter College, Dantan, Department of History
[Article History: Received: 10 Sept 2023. Revised: 25 Sept 2023. Accepted: 30 Sept 2023. Published: 04 Oct 2023]
Abstract
In the latter half of the 19th century, the railways expanded rapidly, and people from the Hindi-speaking belt of India migrated to different parts of the country in search of trade and commerce. These astute people settled in areas with good connectivity, market accessibility, and scope for trade and commerce. Along with Europeans, they gradually emerged as a decisive trading group. Soon after, they started regulating local trade and commerce. To Bengalis, these people were foreigners. For Bengalis, people from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh are all from the same land of ‘Marwar,’ so all were ‘Marwaaris’ for them. These Hindi-speaking people played an active role in the development process of the region. They engaged in social extension and development activities and changed the financial structure of the region. After two to three generations, they are no longer foreigners; this has become their homeland. This article explores their journey from being foreigners in this land to making it their homeland and becoming a part of this region. Additionally, it delves into the new social and cultural dynamics of Dantan and Belda.
Keywords: Hindi, Diaspora, Society, Midnapore, Urbanization
Sustainable Development Goals: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions