Unseen Struggles: The Sheikh Community and Caste Disparities Among Muslims in Kashmir

Kashmir’s social fabric is rich with diverse professions and religious backgrounds, predominantly Islamic. Despite Islam’s rejection of the caste system, caste-based disparities persist among Muslims in Kashmir. Among these, the Sheikh (Watul) caste faces significant inequality. The late Prof. Bashir Ahmad Dabla, a renowned Kashmiri sociologist, highlighted in his book ‘Directory of Caste in Kashmir’ that caste functions as a social institution within Kashmiri society. This video explores how the Sheikh community grapples with social stratification, marked by occupational ranking, endogamy, and ritual hierarchy. We delve into the socio-cultural and economic challenges faced by the Sheikh community, drawing parallels with the Dalits in India. Through their narratives, we gain insight into their daily struggles and the ongoing fight for recognition and dignity.