Marwari community and their role in political process of North Eastern Bihar during pre-independence period

Pages: 162-164
Jay Lakshmi (Department of Political Science, BNMU, Madhepura, Bihar)
Pawan Kumar Jha (Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Purnia University, Purnia, Bihar)

Marwaris are the immigrant traders from Marwar, Shekhawati, and adjoining regions of Rajasthan which have been permanently residing in the other states of India and abroad too. They are maintaining their own cultural identity along with adopting the local language, dresses and culture. They started shifting to different parts of the country in 19th century due to conflict between Rajput and Mughal emperors which was affecting their trades badly. In this connection they also reached to North-Eastern (N-E) regions of Bihar for trade purpose mainly. Initially they had concentrated to establish themselves in trades in this region. After that they brought their families and then their relatives and neighbours too to establish in this new area. Their main aim was to bring these known people to progress in trades. Gradually they became mixed with the local people and started to play an effective role in trades and later on in local politics also. The present paper deals with the role of Marwari community in the political process of N-E Bihar prior to independence of India. In our study we have recorded that the Marwaris of N-E Bihar had either played an inactive role by keeping them totally aloof or had played a passive role by giving different kinds of support to freedom fighters during pre-independence period of India.