Different Castes of Kashmir and Their Origin
Kashmir has always been a land of cultural depth and historical layers. Over centuries, different communities , with different customs, different languages settled here, shaped by geography, religion, occupation, and migration. What we today call “castes”
Kashmir are better understood as social groups or communities, many of which were based on profession, clan, or religious identity rather than rigid caste rules like in the plains of India.
This article explains the major Kashmiri communities and their origins in a clear and balanced way.
1. Kashmiri Pandits (Brahmin Community)
Ancient texts like Rajtagani by kalhana and nilmatpurana mentions Kashmiri Pandits as fhe the earliest known inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley.
- Origin:
They are Saraswat Brahmins, believed to have migrated to Kashmir in ancient times from neighboring countries.
traditionally they were scholars, priests, astrologers, teachers, and administrators.
Kashmir in ancient times was a centre of Sanskrit learning and Shaivism, where Pandits played a key role.
- Social role:
Temple worship
Learning and literature
Administration under Hindu and some later Muslim rulers
2. Kashmiri Muslims (Majority Community)
Most Kashmiri Muslims are ethnically the same as Kashmiri Pandits, not outsiders. They are largely descendants of local people who embraced Islam between the 13th and 16th centuries.
- Origin:
Conversion happened gradually due to:
Influence of Sufi saintsS, ocial equality preached by Islam , Decline of rigid social hierarchies, very few were foreign settlers; most were locals.
Kashmiri Muslims are internally divided into several social groups, often linked to profession or ancestry.
3. Shaikhs
Origin:
The term “Shaikh” in Kashmir usually refers to local converts to Islam, not Arabs.
Many Shaikhs were originally farmers, artisans, or village heads.
- Social role:
Agriculture
Trade
Local leadership
This is the largest group among Kashmiri Muslims.
4. Sayyids
Origin:
Sayyids claim descent from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Some families migrated to Kashmir from Central Asia, Persia, or Arabia.
Others adopted the title later out of respect for religious learning.
Social role:
Religious leadership
Teaching Islamic studies
Spiritual guidance
They traditionally enjoyed high social respect.
5. Mughals
Origin:
Descendants of soldiers, officials, and nobles who came during Mughal rule.
Their ancestry is linked to Central Asia.
Social role:
Administration
Military service
Landholding
Their population in Kashmir is limited.
6. Pathans (Pashtuns)
Origin:
Migrated from Afghanistan and surrounding regions.
Many came as soldiers, traders, or guards.
Social role:
Trade
Military service
Business
They mostly settled in towns and strategic locations.
7. Gujjars and Bakarwals
Origin:
Pastoral communities who migrated from western Himalayas over centuries.
Gujjars are mostly settled farmers now.
Bakarwals remain nomadic, moving with livestock.
Social role:
Cattle rearing
Sheep and goat herding
Dairy production
They have their own language (Gojri) and distinct culture.
8. Wattals (Sheikhs of Wattal origin)
Origin:
Traditionally marginalized community.
Associated with sanitation work and manual labor.
Over time, many adopted the Shaikh identity.
Social role:
Cleaning and sanitation
Daily wage labor
Historically faced social discrimination.
9. Lohars, Kumhars, Telis, and Other Occupational Groups
These groups were named after traditional professions, not birth-based caste in a strict sense.
Lohar – blacksmith
Kumhar – potter
Teli – oil presser
Naye – barber
Origin:
Indigenous communities whose identity was linked to occupation.
Many later merged socially with larger Muslim or Hindu groups.
Understanding Caste in Kashmir
Unlike much of mainland India:
Caste rigidity was weaker in Kashmir.
Social identity was more flexible.
Conversion to Islam reduced caste barriers, though social distinctions remained.
Profession and education mattered more than birth alone.
