‘Chinese Calcuttawallah’ Unveils Kolkata’s Hidden Ethnic Tapestry and Living History
A new book, 'Chinese Calcuttawallah', explores the rich culture and history of Kolkata's Chinatown, offering fresh insights into the city's unique ethnic landscape. The authors, through extensive research, have uncovered confidential documents and explored contemporary themes, shedding light on the Chinese community's impact on Kolkata and vice versa.
The book provides an ethno-spatial study of Kolkata's Chinatown, focusing on the everyday geography of ethnic identity and place-making by the Chinese community. It explores how the community has modified the cultural landscape, creating 'twin Chinatowns' of Cheenapara and Tangra, transforming Kolkata into a 'little China'.
The authors also examine the emotional attachment between the Chinese community and Kolkata, with narratives from the elderly sharing their childhood memories. They gained exclusive access to observe the community's private space of paying homage to their ancestors on All Souls' Day, a testament to the depth of their research.
The book also discusses the ethnic economy, exploring entrepreneurship within the Chinese community, and the efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage. It offers a contemporary perspective on 'gentrification' and the 'transnational' turn of the Indian-Chinese Diaspora, challenging traditional notions of 'Chinese' identity and belongingness.
The book 'Chinese Calcuttawallah' is not just a study of Kolkata's Chinatown but a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research. It has changed the authors' perspective on cultural transmission and the role of global diasporas in 'soft' diplomacy. With community efforts to preserve and promote their heritage, the future of Kolkata's Chinatown looks vibrant and promising.
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