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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Historical evolution of Pahari identity in Jammu and Kashmir: Ethnicity, language, and geography
Authors
Fiyaz Ahmad
Abstract
Pahari people of Jammu and Kashmir is a multifaceted socio-cultural
group, which was conditioned by the migration in the past and the linguistic
pluralism as well as the geomorphology of the area of the western Himalayas.
Although they have a great demographic presence in the areas of Rajouri,
Poonch, Baramulla, and Kupwara, the historical development of Pahari identity
has been under-researched in academic literature. This research paper examines
the role of ethnicity, language, and geographical conditions in the creation
and change of Pahari identity, as it has taken place over the years. The study
explores the development of Pahari identity between early hill community and
Dogra and colonial eras to the modern political situations using historical
analysis, archival sources, linguistic studies, and ethnographic observations
of the literature on the matter. These results indicate that the idea of Pahari
identity has long been dynamic and accommodating, that is, it includes a
variety of ethnic and religious communities whose major links were the common
language, cultural code, and mountainous settlement. Another important issue
that is noted in the paper is the modern politicization of identity, especially
under the condition of recognition demands and socioeconomic rights. Finally,
the paper shows that Pahari identity is not a predetermined ethnic group, but a
socio-cultural phenomenon that is historically developing and under the
influence of linguistic affiliation and geographical belonging.
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Pages:390-393
How to cite this article:
Fiyaz Ahmad "Historical evolution of Pahari identity in Jammu and Kashmir: Ethnicity, language, and geography". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 390-393
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