In contemporary academic discourse, the intersection of social identity markers such as gender and caste has gained renewed attention for its role in shaping access to resources and opportunities. While caste dynamics among Hindus have been widely studied, the internal hierarchies within Muslim communities remain underexplored, especially in regions like Kashmir. This study investigates how layered caste-like divisions within the Muslim population intersect with patriarchal norms to influence women’s educational and occupational pathways. Based on mixed-method research involving 704 participants from the Kashmir Valley, the analysis uncovers three distinct caste strata, each carrying its own form of patriarchal authority, termed here as ‘patriarchal caste capital’. This capital significantly restricts women’s mobility and decision-making in both educational and professional domains. Additionally, the internalisation of caste-based marginality among lower-ranked groups has cultivated a sense of educational disillusionment, further limiting aspirations. Muslim women from these communities thus experience compounded exclusion, where gendered expectations and caste-based prejudice intersect to curtail their agency, opportunities, and long-term development.
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