FEMALE MIGRATION AND PARTITION OF BENGAL: REVISITING THE MEMORIES

Abstract

The Partition of Bengal in 1947, a pivotal event in South Asian history, led to the division of Bengal into West Bengal (India) and East Bengal (Pakistan, later Bangladesh). This partition triggered one of the largest mass migrations in human history, displacing millions of people and resulting in widespread communal violence. While much of the existing literature focuses on political and communal aspects, this study emphasizes the gendered experiences of migration, particularly the challenges faced by women. Through a multidisciplinary approach incorporating historical analysis, personal narratives, and socio-cultural studies, this research explores the profound impact of partition on female migrants. Women were often targeted during communal violence, facing abduction, sexual assault, and forced conversions. Despite these adversities, many exhibited remarkable resilience, playing crucial roles in rebuilding their families and communities. This study also examines the long-term effects of migration on women's identities and the transmission of partition memories across generations. By revisiting these experiences, the research highlights the need to acknowledge and integrate women's voices into the historical narrative of the Partition of Bengal, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this transformative period. This paper delves into the impact of the partition on female migration, exploring the memories and experiences of women who endured this tumultuous period. Through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating historical analysis, personal narratives, and socio-cultural studies, this research aims to illuminate the often-overlooked aspects of female migration during the Partition of Bengal.