Article Title :
Partition of Bengal: Impact on Displaced Women and their Contribution to Refugee Movement in West Bengal
8 (2024)
1-8
Partition of Bengal , Refugee Movements , Refugee Women , Rehabilitation
Indian independence in 1947 and its consequences created a major change in the Indian administrative structure in which British India split into Hindu-dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan, respectively. This division also fragmented the undivided Bengal and West Bengal and East Pakistan appeared on the world political map. These partitions played a crucial role among the inhabitants of both regions and they started to leave their country of origin. Hindus from East Pakistan especially women were one of those migrants who were displaced from their motherland and settled in West Bengal. This study deals with the situation, women faced during and after their displacement in West Bengal. It highlights their movement to achieve rehabilitation benefits from the government and their struggle to be financially independent individuals. Several archival reports, books, newspaper articles, etc. helped provide information regarding refugee women’s conditions from East Pakistan to West Bengal.
This paper highlights the suffering of Hindu refugee women in East Pakistan and their decision to cross the border.
After prolonged suffering in transit camps, they finally shifted to relief camps.
The study also emphasizes refugee women's movement to receive rehabilitation as well as financial benefits from the government.
The formation of various women's organisations and their role in achieving the demands are also reflected in this paper.
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