Identity, Culture and Belonging:The Socio-Political Dynamics of Tibetan Muslims in India
Volume-XIII, Issue-III, April 2025
Volume-XIII, Issue-III, April 2025 |
Received: 24.03.2025 | Accepted: 24.04.2025 | Published Online: 30.04.2025 | Page No: 148-155 | ||||
Identity, Culture and Belonging: The Socio-Political Dynamics of Tibetan Muslims in India Tahira Batt, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Kurseong College, Kurseong, West Bengal, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
The struggle to reconcile the minority cultural with the dominant culture is something that all minority groups are familiar with. This struggle becomes more pronounced when it is not only about reconciliation but also about retaining some of the distinct qualities by the minority groups. It is not an easy process and often leads to identity crises faced by the minorities. Tibetan Muslims in India, formed out of syncretism of cultures and religion are one such example of minorities. This paper explores the complex dynamics of identity, culture and belonging of Tibetan Muslims in India. Despite adapting to new cultures in places like Kashmir, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, they face challenges in maintaining their unique identity. This is more so because some of the ethnic minority groups in those regions are already fighting their own battles of recognition and identity. This paper reveals how the Tibetan Muslims in India have navigated the politics of belonging securing citizenship and continue to seek recognition as an ethnic minority. This article is yet another attempt to make people aware of this community; an addition to the few existing work on Tibetan Muslims till the curious research minds find their way to this uncharted niche. | ||
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