Dias-para: neighbourhood, memory and the city

Abstract

This article analyses the importance of the neighbourhood as a space of belonging, attachment and memories for Anglo-Indian and Chinese communities from Calcutta. It explores the significance of neighbourhood space in South Asian cities, particularly to study minority communities. Using narratives of both Anglo-Indian and Chinese Calcuttans, in the city and in diaspora in London and Toronto, the first section of the article outlines ways in which community identities are linked to the neighbourhood, as well as ways in which the neighbourhood acts as a space of encounter. The second section focuses on the impact of large-scale migration from Calcutta on the neighbourhood. Next, I use memory maps to explore narratives of neighbourhood in diaspora. The article suggests the term dias-para to explore critical links across neighbourhood, memory, the city and diaspora.

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