ABSTRACT
The chapter traces the historical-geographical evolution of the Bengali diaspora with special reference to the formation of a Bengali identity from historic times to contemporary times. It takes into account the colonial/imperial period, particularly the perception of Bengalis by British officials and administrators. Positive perceptions of Bengalis as gifted government servants and scholars and negative perceptions of Bengali ‘babus,’ clerks and revolutionaries are analysed, followed by perceptions of the West in the minds of Bengalis in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, in colonial and postcolonial times. The principal sources of research are archives and publications. The Bengali diaspora originating mostly in Kolkata and resident in other parts of India, the UK and USA in recent times is studied. Immigration rules and policies are studied.
