Experiences of Caste Discrimination Among Muslims: Marginalization of Ga’ad Ha’enz Community in Kashmir

Abstract

Caste-based hierarchies and discrimination are not confined to the Hindus, but it is equally profound in the lived experience of other religions in South Asia, including Islam. Muslim majority Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir in India is no exception to this. Kashmiri Muslim identity in the valley is not a monolith; apart from the differences in terms of sect, language and ethnicity, there is also social hierarchy among Kashmiri Muslims. Among the various social castes in Kashmir Valley, the Hanji community is considered ‘lower’ in the social hierarchy. There are sub-groups within the Hanji community with varied vocations, livelihoods and places of residence, whereas the Ga’ad Ha’enz community engaged in fishing is the lowest in the hierarchy and historically experienced marginalization. Not only do they face stereotyping and castiest slurs, they face caste-based discrimination in their livelihood and their residential areas. This article unravels the intersection of caste, marginalization and religious identity by exploring the challenges faced by the Ga’ad Ha’enz (fishing community) in Kashmir. Based on the narratives from the field, the article aims to uncover the nuanced ways in which caste-based hierarchy among Kashmiri Muslims contributes to their marginalization. By examining the everyday experiences in residential areas and the livelihood challenges, the article attempts to establish a relationship between the marginalization of Ga’ad Ha’enz community and their social-caste identity of belonging to the Hanji community.