Religion and politics in Ladakh emergence and evolution of Shia Muslim identity in Kargil district

Abstract

The study aimed to decipher the politics of Muslim Ladakhi identities. The research sought to identify and explore how Muslims of Ladakh identify themselves and differentiate within Ladakh s political landscape. It further aimed to decipher the nature and strength of Muslim Ladakhi identity. Additionally, the study recognized the potential mediating role of competitive advantage and strategic planning in shaping the relationship between social and financial performance in small business. newlineThis study followed qualitative research methods. In-depth interviews with Muslim Ladakhis in Kargil were conducted to generate first-hand data. A two-tier open-ended interview was conducted. First, it was with the members of religious, political, and civil society groups in Kargil. The second, interviews were conducted in 7 villages of Kargil. Other than the open ended formal interviews, participant observation was also taken as a method of gathering data from the field. newlineFindings of this study indicated that Muslim Ladakhis were barely mentioned as Ladakhis, because Buddhistness was believed as the precondition for being Ladakhi. In response, Muslim Ladakhis asserted their politics of difference. They attempted to exhibit a cohesive Muslim Ladakhi identity, equally important to the popular Buddhist Ladakhi identity. Their comparative underrepresentation and their will to amplify Muslim Ladakhi identity appears in their popular discourses. It also becomes visible Muslim Ladakhis demonstrate such identities. However, there are internal fissure within the community. A major fissure, in doctrinal-ideological form remains one of the key bases of internal difference which vitiates their collective imagining. This doctrinal-ideological faction within the community became equally important. newline newline