Contested Homelands: Geographies of Belonging And Dislocation In Amitav Ghosh's Travelogue Dancing In Cambodia At Large In Burma

Abstract

This paper investigates the complexities of home, belonging, nation, and identity through the lens of Southeast Asian countries and diasporic narratives. Focusing on Amitav Ghosh's "Dancing in Cambodia, at Large in Burma," it examines how he weaves personal accounts and travel experiences into an anthropological exploration. The paper delves into lived experiences within specific geographical and historical contexts, highlighting the fluidity and contested nature of "home" and "belonging." It analyzes how Ghosh navigates diverse notions of nationhood in Southeast Asia, particularly amid extreme isolationist policies in Cambodia during the late 20th century. The paper critically examines the articulation of Third World ideologies and their potential for exclusion and violence, focusing on concepts like cultural authenticity and nationalism. It emphasizes the importance of diasporic voices and diverse perspectives in challenging dominant narratives and understanding historical events like French colonization, Pol Pot's regime, and minority resistance. The paper acknowledges the role of violence and trauma in shaping individual and collective memory, exploring how narratives can function as tools for healing and remembrance.