• Asif Ahmad Bhat

Watals, also known as sheikhs or mochi, constitute one of the most marginalised groups in Kashmir, encountering discrimination similar to caste-based biases. They practice endogamy and engage in occupations traditionally considered menial, such as shoe making, barbering, kangri making, singing, and serving as sweepers and scavengers in government sectors. Despite the majority of people in Kashmir, and specifically Watals, adhering to the Islamic faith—an ideology explicitly opposed to discrimination—this community faces persistent social issues. Historically engaged in the craft of tanning and the production of various items from animal hides, primarily sourced from deceased animals, Watals, despite transitioning away from this traditional livelihood and experiencing material advancement, persistently confront societal marginalisation, being labelled as impure within prevalent public perception. This paper seeks to elucidate the challenges they confront, aiming to identify and analyse the contemporary problems faced by Watals in society.

Watals, Kashmir, Social discrimination

"The Untold Story of Watals: Exploring Social Discrimination in Contemporary Kashmiri Society", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 1, page no.g21-g24, January-2022, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2201607.pdf

"The Untold Story of Watals: Exploring Social Discrimination in Contemporary Kashmiri Society", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 1, page no. ppg21-g24, January-2022, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2201607.pdf