The caste system in Kashmir, often disguised as a cultural tradition, continues to act as a major social barrier, perpetuating inequality and delaying marriages, especially for women. Recent data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (2022) reveals that 27% of Kashmiri women aged 20 to 49 years remain unmarried. Furthermore, a 2024 survey conducted by an NGO states that nearly 50,000 girls in the Kashmir Valley are at risk of crossing the marriageable age due to various reasons, with caste-based discrimination being a significant factor.

A Deep-Rooted Social Structure

There is a prevailing myth that Kashmir is free of caste-based discrimination. However, the reality presents a rigid social structure divided into three major categories:

Upper/High Caste

Includes Syed, Bukhari, Andrabi, Hamdani, etc.

Occupational Caste

Includes Wani, Zargar, Bhat, Lone, etc.

Lower Caste

Includes Hanji, Waza, Sofi, Doni, Ganie, etc.

This classification has significant consequences, particularly in the matrimonial sphere, where women face immense pressure to marry within their caste. The fear of social exclusion and family honor forces many families to reject inter-caste alliances, leading to prolonged delays in marriage negotiations.

Islam and the Call for Equality in Marriage

Islam, the dominant religion in Kashmir, strictly opposes caste-based discrimination. The Quran emphasizes equality and unity, stating in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):
"O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous."
Despite this, societal norms and deeply ingrained traditions continue to overshadow religious teachings, reinforcing caste barriers in marriage.

The Psychological and Social Consequences of Delayed Marriages

The caste-based matrimonial restrictions in Kashmir have far-reaching consequences:Psychological Impact – Women, in particular, face anxiety, depression, and emotional distress due to prolonged unmarried status. Society often stigmatizes unmarried women, making them feel isolated and unworthy.
Social Pressure – Families are subjected to immense societal pressure to uphold caste-based traditions, leading to forced marriages or long-standing disputes within families.
Economic and Emotional Stress – As marriage delays persist, economic burdens increase for families, and women struggle with uncertain futures.

Breaking the Chains of Caste-Based Matrimony

The time has come for Kashmir to dismantle caste-based restrictions on marriage. Educated individuals must take the lead in challenging these norms and promoting inter-caste unions. The government must actively enforce equal matrimonial rights and provide legal and social support to inter-caste couples.
Religious leaders also have a pivotal role to play in countering caste-based discrimination. By advocating for equality in marriages and reinforcing Islamic teachings, they can help shift societal perceptions.

A Collective Responsibility for a Just Society

The fight against caste-based matrimonial restrictions is not just an individual struggle but a collective responsibility. Ending this unjust system requires a shift in mindset, where marriage is based on compatibility, character, and mutual respect rather than caste labels. Only then can Kashmir move towards a society that upholds equality, justice, and social harmony.

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