, and survival. Majeed, the central character, is a symbol of a rootless man. He drifts from one place to another in search of stability. When he arrives in Mahabbatpur, he plants himself there like a tree but without real roots. 

Rootlessness of Majeed: Majeed is a man without a home, family, or purpose. He comes from a barren, overpopulated village where people suffer from hunger and poverty. He works as a muezzin in the Garo Hills but finds no peace. His rootless condition drives him to search for a better life. One night, he leaves the hills with only a few belongings and a small Koran. The narrator says, 

“He immediately struck root in the soil, deeper than the roots of the largest tree in the village.” 

Majeed’s journey from the hills to Mahabbatpur shows how poverty and hopelessness make him a “tree without roots.”

Creation of The False Mazar: When Majeed reaches Mahabbatpur, he finds an old neglected grave. He fabricates a dream about a saint named Shah Sadeque and tells the villagers that the saint appeared to him. The villagers believe his story and begin to visit the grave. Majeed covers it with a red cloth and turns it into a mazar. People start to pray there, bringing coins and gifts. Majeed’s survival depends on this faith. His false mazar becomes his root, though it grows from deception.

Dependence on False Faith: Majeed’s power and identity come entirely from the mazar. He knows that his existence depends on people’s belief. Once the people stop believing, he will again become rootless. He even says that man is both sinner and innocent: 

“Man is made both angels and devils, sinners and innocents.” 

This dual nature reflects Majeed’s own soul. Outwardly, he plays the saint, but inwardly, he fears exposure. He is not a true spiritual man but a cunning survivor. 

Majeed’s Psychological Rootlessness: Though Majeed gains wealth, land, and power, he remains spiritually empty. His conscience reminds him of his lies. He feels lonely and restless even after his success. His two marriages bring him no peace. Rahima obeys him but cannot fill his emptiness. Jamila rebels against him and destroys his illusion of control. Majeed’s fear of losing people’s trust becomes his punishment. His heart is dry like the barren land he once left. His success is hollow because it stands on deceit. Inside, he knows that he is still the same poor, wandering man.

Symbolic Meaning of the Title: The title “Tree Without Roots” has deep symbolic value. The “tree” represents human life and social existence. The “roots” stand for truth, morality, and faith. Majeed looks strong like a tree, but his life lacks a real foundation. He lives by falsehood and superstition, not by honest work. When his lies are questioned, his fear grows. The title also mirrors the social condition of Mahabbatpur. The villagers, too, are rootless in faith and reason. 

In summary, the title “Tree Without Roots” is perfectly justified. It sums up the life and struggle of Majeed, who tries to grow in false soil. His existence appears strong, but is hollow within. The mazar gives him a position but not peace. Like a tree cut from its roots, he finally faces emptiness.