McCluskieganj In the Spatial Turn: Rethinking Anglo-Indian Diaspora and Spatial Marginalization

Abstract

Nestled in the secluded terrains of Jharkhand, McCluskieganj stands as a poignant testament to the enigmatic confluence of Anglo-Indian memory and space. Its genesis during the pre-independence era marked an epoch when the quest for a 'promised land' became an urgent yearning within the Anglo-Indian community. However, the allure and lustre surrounding this haven have gradually waned with the passage of time and the handover of governance. The plight of the Anglo-Indians, once beset by myriad social and cultural marginalities, metamorphosed into a distinctly spatial odyssey. Amidst this transformative landscape, a dichotomy emerged: the inexorable pull of metropolitan hubs captivated the younger echelons of the community, while the elders remained tethered to the essence of a place they called 'home'. Within this characterization, the geographical context emerges as an indispensable facet in understanding the Anglo-Indian narrative in McCluskieganj. Any discourse on the disposition of the Anglo-Indians within this enclave remains inherently incomplete without an acknowledgment of the inextricable bond between the community's essence and the geographical expanse of McCluskieganj.
 This study endeavours to explore the intricate tapestry of McCluskieganj, delving into the symbiotic relationship between the shifting sands of space and the dynamic evolution of Anglo-Indian identity. Through a prism that interlaces academic inquiry with the lyrical essence of human experience, it seeks to illuminate the spatial chapters within the larger narrative of Anglo-Indian existence, embodying a convergence of history, belonging, and the ethereal essence of place.