Forever Displaced: Religion, Nationalism and Problematized Belonging of Biharis in Ruby Zaman’s Invisible Lines

Nationalism and religion have always been at the centre of political contestation in Southeast Asia. In fact, was determinative factor 1947 Partition Indian subcontinent, where India for Hindus East West Pakistan Muslims. The emergence a national identity based on let loose unanticipated violence bloodshed, which led to massive migration as religious minorities—Muslims from India, both sides Pakistan—crossed borders be with co-religionists. However, Urdu-speaking Muslims known “Biharis,” who migrated during after partition, faced perilous situation wake Liberation War Bangladesh. rise Bengali nationalistic movement war resulted formation new nation-state, but it left Biharis without nation or identity. This paper, highlighting plight half-Bihari protagonist Ruby Zaman’s Invisible Lines (2011), brings surface ambivalent existence Biharis. Applying theoretical framework Benedict Anderson, Partha Chatterjee, Ashis Nandy, paper further demonstrates how convoluted ties between religion, nationalism, problematize inclusion Biharis, thereby displacing them forever, first their homeland then Even they were granted citizenship Bangladesh 2008, precarity belongingness still pervades country continues eye suspicion contempt varied reasons.