VOICES OF THE MARGINALISED: AN EXPLORATION OF SHERSHABADIA LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY
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Abstract: This research investigates the dialect and literary expressions of the Shershabadia community, a marginalised group located in the regions of West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Known for their unique language, termed Shershabadia, this study delves into their historical roots, cultural identity, and the significance of their language within the broader linguistic landscape of Bengal. By analysing the evolution of the Shershabadia dialect, cultural practices, and literary traditions, this article aims to shed light on the community's contributions to the cultural fabric of the region and the ongoing efforts to preserve their heritage. Keywords: Shershabadia, dialect, cultural identity, literary expression, Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, marginalized communities, linguistic heritage, folk traditions. Introduction: Often overlooked in mainstream discussions of South Asian history and culture, the Shershabadia community, native to regions of Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, represents a distinct ethnic and cultural group. Their unique dialect, also called Shershabadia, traces its origins back to the Mughal period, when it was spoken in the Sarsabad region—a division created under Emperor Akbar. This research explores the historical evolution of the Shershabadia people, their cultural identity, and their contributions to the regional literary and linguistic traditions. The term ‘Shershabadia’ is closely linked to the historical region of Sarsabad, a fertile land noted for its abundant water sources, including the Ganges and Bhagirathi rivers. Over time, the linguistic and cultural identity of the Shershabadia people has evolved, reflecting both local and foreign influences, including the impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. This study seeks to highlight the significance of the Shershabadia dialect within the wider context of Bengali and regional languages, as well as its cultural resilience in the face of historical neglect. Historical Significance and Cultural Identity of the Shershabadia Community in the Sarsabad Region : The origins of the Shershabadia community lie in the Sarsabad region, once one of the most important divisions of Bengal during the Mughal era. This area, rich in natural resources and strategically located along major trade routes, attracted settlers from various ethnic backgrounds, including indigenous Hindus, Buddhists, and foreign traders. Under Mughal rule, the region flourished, and the influence of Islamic culture became prominent, especially with the establishment of Sarsabad as a political and economic hub. Despite its historical significance, the Sarsabad region, and by extension the Shershabadia people, were often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. The community’s agricultural heritage and unique dialect, however, have endured over centuries. The Shershabadia dialect, which shares linguistic features with neighbouring dialects like Kamtapuri, Maithili, and Varendra, has played a crucial ........
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Conclusion: The Shershabadia language and culture, though historically marginalised, represent an important part of the broader cultural and linguistic heritage of Bengal. The dialect, which once thrived in the Gauranchal region, faced decline following the shift of Bengal’s political centre to the south. Despite this, recent efforts by the Shershabadia community and researchers aim to revive and promote their unique language and literary expressions. As modern scholarship continues to explore the Shershabadia dialect and its cultural significance, it becomes increasingly clear that preserving this linguistic heritage is vital to understanding the historical and cultural diversity of Bengal. The story of the Shershabadia people is not just one of linguistic survival but of a community's enduring connection to their ancestral past, language, and identity.