The term “Miya” in Assam carries layered meanings that make it controversial. Historically, it referred to Bengali-origin Muslim peasants who migrated to Assam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under British colonial rule. While “Miya” literally means “gentleman” in Urdu and Persian, in Assam the term gradually took on political and ethnic overtones.
For decades, “Miya” was used neutrally to identify this community. However, during periods of ethnic conflict, migration debates, and identity politics in Assam, the term began to be used by some as a derogatory label, implying outsider status or questioning citizenship.
In recent years, the word has been reclaimed by members of the community through “Miya poetry” and activism, turning it into a symbol of pride and resistance. Still, its usage in political and social discourse remains sensitive—reflecting deep-seated issues about migration, ethnicity, and belonging in Assam.
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