State, Language Contestations, And Borderlands: The Case Of Dhubri Borderland Along The Indo-Bangladesh Border In Assam

Abstract

The Dhubri borderland along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam is a site of significant language contestation. Borderlands typically facilitate cultural exchanges, resulting in shared cultural traits such as language, attire, and cuisine. In Dhubri, the linguistic landscape reflects a historical and ongoing struggle influenced by British colonial language policies, which fostered a conflict between Assamese and Bengali speakers. The Assam Official Language Act 1960, which established Assamese as the official language of Assam, intensified this contestation, particularly affecting the local Bengali-speaking population. The Bhatia Muslims of Dhubri face a unique challenge: mastering Assamese to deal with socio-political dynamics and avoid issues related to citizenship status while maintaining their Bengali dialect in daily life. This study examines the complex language dynamics in Dhubri borderland, tracing their historical roots from colonial times to the present, and explores how borderlanders balance their distinct cultural identity with the pressures of linguistic assimilation