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Everyday Cultural Practices and Sense of Belonging Among Kashmiri Pandits in Post-Migration Contexts: A Systematic Review


Authors : Divanshi Koul; Pavani Tyagi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/muducumf

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May557

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Abstract : The forced migration of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the early 1990s highlights a significant aspect of internal displacement in India. Existing literature largely examines the aspects of trauma, post-traumatic stress, identity loss, gendered experiences, intergenerational transmissions and policy and structural frameworks allowing integration of the community. However, comparatively there is a limited focus on how culture is experienced, practiced, and reconstructed in everyday context post-migration. The present study employs a structured systematic review to examine literature published between the years 1990 and 2024 that explore the aspects of migration, displacement, cultural identity, cultural preservation, integration and adaptation among Kashmiri Pandits community. Academic databases including Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, and ResearchGate were searched using relevant keywords such as “Kashmiri Pandits,” “migration,” “displacement,” “cultural identity,” and “post-migration experiences.” After screening the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected literature was presented through the lens of systematic review. The present review presents four major themes of displacement and changing concepts of identity and home, psychological impact and practice of resilience post migration, cultural adaptation and erosion along with gendered, generational and policy frameworks. While the literature draws focus largely towards traumatic experiences, policy frameworks, and identity and cultural negotiation as experienced by community members there is limited understanding of everyday cultural practices and experience of belonging in post migration settings. The review highlights the need to examine culture not only as a loss or changed process but in terms of an ongoing practice and daily experience in the new socio-cultural settings.

Keywords : Migration, Displacement, Cultural Identity, Kashmiri Pandits, Reconstruction, Belonging, Post-Migration.

References :

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The forced migration of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the early 1990s highlights a significant aspect of internal displacement in India. Existing literature largely examines the aspects of trauma, post-traumatic stress, identity loss, gendered experiences, intergenerational transmissions and policy and structural frameworks allowing integration of the community. However, comparatively there is a limited focus on how culture is experienced, practiced, and reconstructed in everyday context post-migration. The present study employs a structured systematic review to examine literature published between the years 1990 and 2024 that explore the aspects of migration, displacement, cultural identity, cultural preservation, integration and adaptation among Kashmiri Pandits community. Academic databases including Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, and ResearchGate were searched using relevant keywords such as “Kashmiri Pandits,” “migration,” “displacement,” “cultural identity,” and “post-migration experiences.” After screening the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected literature was presented through the lens of systematic review. The present review presents four major themes of displacement and changing concepts of identity and home, psychological impact and practice of resilience post migration, cultural adaptation and erosion along with gendered, generational and policy frameworks. While the literature draws focus largely towards traumatic experiences, policy frameworks, and identity and cultural negotiation as experienced by community members there is limited understanding of everyday cultural practices and experience of belonging in post migration settings. The review highlights the need to examine culture not only as a loss or changed process but in terms of an ongoing practice and daily experience in the new socio-cultural settings.

Keywords : Migration, Displacement, Cultural Identity, Kashmiri Pandits, Reconstruction, Belonging, Post-Migration.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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