Volume IV Special Issue VII September 2024

Name of Author : Hage Yaja, Sandip Sinha

Title of the paper : Bishnupriya Manipuris in Bangladesh: A Diasporic Study

Abstract: Background The name Manipuri stands for colourful hand-woven saris and shawls, it is synonymous with classical Manipuri dance. Today, young Bishnupriya Manipuris are no longer sure of their cultural identity, elders worry that their rich heritage may not be preserved for posterity. Purpose Method Culture as a concept has received considerable scholarly attention in recent years. However, empirical understanding of how culture migrates, and is transmitted within diasporic communities is sparse. This paper draws upon a qualitative descriptive study with Bishnupriya Manipuri peoples living in Bangladesh to unpack the ways in which cultural heritage is enacted, interpreted, and transmitted from across generation through the construction of diaspora. The current study is an attempt to look closely on how the Bishnupriya Manipuris in Bangladesh still preserve their culture and tradition while living together with harmony. Findings Discussion Due to the treacherous activities of Garib Nawaj and continual Burmese invasion, the Bishnupriya Manipuris, to save their language, culture, women, ethnic identity, and mostly religious beliefs migrated towards the south through Jiribam of Manipur and then to the Surma Valley in Bangladesh, Barak Valley, and Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. The culture consists of Rashleela and Rakhalleela, Rathyatra of Prabhu Jagannath which includes worshipping the Sree Krishna and Prabhu Jagannath, Kartik Mas Niyama Seva or Sree Bhagwat Path also connects them with the Hindu ancient history of the land with the community, and their orthodox religious practice of their distinctive clan called as the Apokpa. Conclusion The Bishnupriya Manipuri language is enlisted as the vulnerable language and the community itself is listed as an endangered category. The Bishnupriya Manipuri diaspora in Bangladesh follow Vaishnavism under Hinduism and further has two dialects in their language, known as Rajargang Kings Clan and Madaigang Queens Clan.

Keywords : Bishnupriya Manipuri; Diaspora; Culture; Endangered Language; Ethnic Minority.

DOI :

Page Number : 93-98