Migration and Inter-ethnic Relations in India: A Review of Communal Harmony and Conflict
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v14n4.002Keywords:
Migration, Inter-ethnic Relations, Communal Harmony, Conflict, India, Identity, Cultural Integration, Social CohesionAbstract
Migration has played a central role in shaping the ethnic and cultural fabric of India. This review-based research paper explores the complex relationship between migration and inter-ethnic relations in India, focusing on how migration fosters both communal harmony and conflict. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature from sociology, anthropology, and political science, the paper reviews historical and contemporary migration patterns, inter-group interactions, and state responses. It evaluates the sociological mechanisms that lead to cultural integration as well as those that incite ethnic tensions. The review reveals that while migration has contributed to economic dynamism and cultural pluralism, it has also been implicated in identity politics and communal violence. The paper concludes by suggesting inclusive policy approaches and community-based strategies to strengthen inter-ethnic understanding and mitigate conflict.
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