EXPLORING THE GHOTI-BENGAL DIVIDE THROUGH SAMRESH MAJUMDAR'S NOVELS
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Abastract: The Ghoti-Bengal conflict in India is primarily centered around the Bengali dialect and the Rarhi, Jharkhandi, and Varendri dialects. Despite linguistic and cultural disparities, the two groups maintain unity in Bengal. The conflict emerged after the establishment of the East Bengal Club in Calcutta in the 20th century, and the partition of India in 1947 and the establishment of Bangladesh in 1971. The novel 'Kalbela' explores the cultural disparities and linguistic differences between the two regions, with the protagonist, Arka, living in impoverished Calcutta with his family in slums in both Ghoti and Bengal. The novel also highlights the social and cultural differences between the two regions, with the protagonist's in-laws belonging to the Ghoti community. Vidyasagar's campaign to abolish child marriage in East Bengal led to the emergence of a hybrid language and strong anti-Bengali sentiment. The Ghoti family's authority forced children to live under strict discipline, leading to a vegetarian diet. Ramla Sen, an open-minded professor, remained unaffected by the Ghoti-Bengal strife and inspired Deepavali to overcome challenges and achieve academic success. The East Bengal Club has created competition between Bengalis from East Bengal and West Bengal, but the rivalry persists due to conservative, less educated individuals from both groups. Art, literature, and fine arts represent the cultural legacy of nations, communities, and historical events. Bimalendu Majumdar's article 'Languages of North Bengal' highlights the 251 languages and dialects spoken in Jalpaiguri district, despite not distinguishing between Ghoti and Bengal based on linguistic and geographical factors.
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Conclusion on Ghoti-Bengal Relations: Ultimately, the Ghoti-Bengal dispute, which has persisted for a significant period, is primarily based on differences in language and culture. Its inception can be traced back to the formation of the East Bengal Club and has been further intensified by historical occurrences like the partition of India. The book 'Kalbela' provides a perspective on the complex network of cultural distinctions, as the main character Arka navigates through life in the poor city of Calcutta, capturing the essence of the discrepancies between the Ghoti and Bengal communities. Vidyasagar's campaign against child marriage, which is expressed via a combination of languages, adds to the existing attitude of opposition against the Bengali community. Ramla Sen, despite facing difficulties, demonstrates resilience and serves as an inspiration for achieving achievement in the middle of adversity. Art and literature symbolise the lasting cultural heritage, while the East Bengal Club plays a crucial role in promoting competitiveness. Bimalendu Majumdar's language investigation highlights the abundant variety in Jalpaiguri, highlighting the need of comprehending differences that go beyond Ghoti and Bengal. In essence, the intricacies of the Ghoti-Bengal rivalry go beyond language barriers, reflecting the wider fabric of cultural exchanges and historical inheritances.