Rethinking Conflict at the Margins
Dalits and Borderland Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir

Captures the lives of those living close to the border areas of Jammu and their stories of contesting or reinforcing India-Pakistan boundaries.

Mohita Bhatia (Author)

9781108836029, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 October 2020

222 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.8 cm, 0.41 kg

'A crucial intervention into the study of the Kashmir conflict, this book brings to light the much-needed views of the inhabitants of the neglected region of Jammu, particularly from the perspective of caste and class. A must-read for those interested in understanding the dynamics of this disputed region.' Chitralekha Zutshi, College of William & Mary

This book departs from the conventional academic narration of the conflict situation in Jammu and Kashmir and expands the debate by shifting the focus from Kashmir to Jammu region. Generally, it is the response of Muslim-majority Kashmir region - particularly its contestation of the hegemonic and assimilative temperament of the Indian state - that captures the attention of researchers. The Hindu-majority Jammu region which is affected by the conflict in many ways remains in the shadows. This book seeks to address this crucial academic gap by locating the conflict in Jammu region. Besides explaining the 'Hindu reactionary' and 'ultra-nationalist' responses of some sections of Jammu's society, the book also foregrounds the genuine grievances of its people and their concerns within the dominant 'Kashmir-centric' discourse.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Regional diversities and the conflict
3. Caste, everyday life and conflict politics
4. Border realities
5. Contesting the homogenised discourse of religious identities
6. Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC], Anthropology [JHM], Sociology [JHB], Social interaction [JFFP], Social issues & processes [JFF]