Thai Badaler Itihas: Prekkhit Rohu Chandaler Haar

In contemporary Bengali literature, Abhijit Sen is a distinguished novelist, best known for his novel Rohu Chandaler Haar. The novel vividly portrays the life and struggles of the Bajikar community, a traditionally nomadic group marginalized by mainstream society. Historically, the Bajikars were often regarded as wanderers, thieves, or beggars and were denied social recognition and dignity. Through a realistic narrative, the novel explores their unique customs, cultural practices, and persistent efforts to transform themselves into a settled peasant community. Despite facing social discrimination, economic hardship, and continuous obstacles, they remain determined to establish a stable identity and secure a respectable place in society. The legacy of this long struggle is symbolically carried forward by Shariba, representing the resilience of the community across five generations. This paper examines the multifaceted struggles of the nomadic Bajikar people, focusing on their identity, livelihood, social exclusion, and quest for belonging, as depicted in Rohu Chandaler Haar.