A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF RELIGION AND CASTE AMONG THE NAT MUSLIMS IN INDIA

1MD MOSHABBIR ALAM, DR. MOKSHA SINGH

170 Views
52 Downloads
Abstract:

This research paper presents a sociological understanding of the role of religion and caste in constructing and influencing the social identity of Nat Muslims, originally a peripatetic nomadic tribe, in India. The study was conducted at Semri Village of district Paschim Champaran, in the state of Bihar in India. The research design was descriptive and analytical in nature. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied for the collection of data. The findings are based on the information collected from 54 families that belong to Muslim Nat community. The paper suggests that religion and caste (which is otherwise a feature of Hindu society) have greatly influenced the social standing and identity of the Nat Muslims. Their everyday lives are greatly determined by the overlapping and multiple identities so generated.

Keywords:

Identity, religion, caste, Nat Muslim, nomads.

Paper Details
Month2
Year2021
Volume25
IssueIssue 2
Pages772-791