Homogeneous Haven

Observing society leads to many revelations that highlight the features of that society. Kashmiri society is quite a charm to observe. Kashmiri society is homogenous, most of the people share the same culture, language and norms. This society becomes even more interesting when we consider how isolated it is from the outer world. Many will disagree, but Kashmiri society lives in an echo-chamber of sorts. And that is not necessarily incorrect, that is just an observation.

Kashmiri society was cut-off from the outer world due to geographical limitations. Trade and communication with people outside the valley was not easy, and most of the population just lived within their own bubble. As transport became efficient and defied geographical constraints, Kashmiri society opened up to influence. I specifically refer to the masses, not the kings and queens. Even after facing political ups and downs, the common man still lived in their own bubble.

And today, we are here. Kashmiri society seems to be immune to change. External influence is seen as wicked or futile. External influences seem to attack the core identity of what a Kashmiri is. And that is justified. In the increasingly globalised world, it is easy to lose one’s culture in the face of mega-urban societies. Each society is expected to fit in the wide web of societies worldwide. Kashmiri society is resistant and durable. The social structures that dictate behaviour are constant.

Some may argue that Kashmiri society has evolved in the past few years, which is true, but not entirely. The foundation of the social structures remains the same, even though the superstructure shows slight differences. Simply, the methods have changed, but the procedure is the same. And this nuance results in the illusion of change, even though nothing happened.

I do not imply that Kashmiri society is primitive, rather that it has faced external influences and still maintained its original form. The original form can be seen in the way people behave. It is in the slight details that we miss. However, the devil lies in those details. Kashmiri society has a sense of belonging and strong identity. It is easier to connect with a Kashmiri, sharing conversations and instances of cooperation. Whenever I go outside, amid honking cars and loud people, it is not hard to find a bond. An easy bond. Now, for a socially anxious person it is hard to find it, but just look at people. Look at how they behave, talk and interact, even without speaking.

When we are in the moment, right then and there, we see the interaction. It is impossible for a distracted mind to see it, yet it exists. The original form of staying together. It is not hard to find random people interfering in one’s personal matters, because the sense of connection and identity needs oneness. That does not justify becoming a nosey parker, but that is just how it is.

Compared to more urbanised societies, the disconnect is not felt. No random strangers are speaking alien languages, working in alien jobs. With time, we come to acquaint ourselves with those around us. After stepping out of my home for quite some time, I can recognise a lot of my neighbours. There is little room for someone to get lost in a sea of strangers. We don’t have herculean shopping malls and streets. It is small-scale and personal.

One real example would be interactions among people in different occupations. In urban areas, the Uber drivers and passengers hardly talk. It is not uncommon to strike up a conversation with cabbies in Kashmir. The interaction among bakers, drivers, doctors, officers, delivery workers and daily wagers, etc, is personal. It is not commodified, where we give money and get the service. Rather, the recognition of humanity is present.

It does not mean that homogeneity is always bliss. Social evolution is as important as social cooperation. Not all practices in society are correct. From easily being swayed by so-called divine figures to not welcoming external opinions, Kashmiri society is by no means perfect. All I have done is tried to lay down the foundation and features of Kashmiri society. We need to understand what type of a society we live in before thinking about improving it. We live in a strong social structure that focuses on personal relations and sense of commonality. We live in a homogenous society.

(The author is a student of Humanities at

DPS Srinagar)