Keywords
Ethnicization
Hindu Nationalism
Matua
Ethnic Identity
Categories
- Anthropology, Sociology, Social Work, History & Archeology
- Geography, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development & Area Studies
- Political Science, Public Policy, Law & International Relations
- Language Studies, Cultural Studies, Media and Communication & Library Science
- Education, Health, Psychology, Philosophy, Social Exclusion & Gender Studies
- Other Interdisciplinary Studies
How to Cite
Abstract
This paper examines the ethnicization of the Matua Community in West Bengal, India through a historical lens focusing on people who influenced the formation of their identity and socio-political consolidation. It first traces Harichand Thakur's religious movement around Kirtan, then the research goes on to present Guruchand Thakur's educational reforms as a turning point to social liberation. Next, the paper looks at the works of Pramatha Ranjan Thakur and Binapani Devi in bringing the low-caste Matua refugees together under a common socio-religious and political fold. Through a literature survey and discourse analysis, this research is a critical account of the changing Matua identity and the resulting caste dynamics and political mobilization in Bengal.
References
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