An Anthropological Investigation of Kinship and Politics in Diamer District, Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

In the present research the kinship and politics in Diamer district of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan has been discussed. To discuss the kinship system in Diamer, the marriage pattern has been discussed. The political organization has been measured from the marriage pattern. There were two objectives of this research study a) To discuss the factors that shape the marriage pattern in Diamer b)To understand impact of marriage pattern in shaping the political organization in Diamer. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for the present research study. It is a non-random sampling technique in which the aim of taking the sample is not represent the exact characteristics of the population; rather the researcher must select the people who are specific to the research study. 20 respondents were selected in which 10 respondents were male and 10 respondents were females. Out of 10 male respondents 5 belonged to the old age while 5 belonged to the younger age group. Similarly, out of 10 female respondents 5 belonged to the old age group and 5 belonged to the young age group. The old age group ranged from 55 to 65 while the younger age group was from 35 to 45. The research started with the key informant interviews. The key informants arranged the focus group discussion for the research study. 6 focus group discussion were conducted with male and female respondents. Then the individuals were selected from focus group discussion for in-depth interviews. 5 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. It was found out that the marriages in Diamer are endogamous among the majority Shin tribe. While the marriages among the Yeshkuns, Gujjars, Kashmiris, Pakhtuns, Dhoms and Kamin are exogamous. The Shin tribe consider themselves superior to the other tribes because of they are the natives and possesses lands. It is due to this reason that they do not may with other tribes. The concept of Khandani (family person) is used for the native Shin people who have not left their lands and have not migrated. However, in addition to the concept of Khandani, the sectarian affiliation and the concept of ghairat mand (honorable) also play an important role in the arrangement of marriages. The ghairat mand means that the people should have the resources to afford the bride. The political organization of the people in Diamer is closely associated with the Pakun culture. The disputes are also resolved in the similar manner as the Pakhtun resolves. The concept of Karai (blood feud) is present in Diamer. The blood feud is mainly based on the disputes of lands and woman. The marriages are also used to resolve the land dispute, but the disputes related to woman is resolved through murder. The number of the people determine the power in Diamer. It is due to this reason that the Shin tribe marry within their tribe to increase their number. The arrival of the modern state structure has not changed it rather the local traditions have been reinforced in the modern setup. In the elections those tribes have a greater number of voters win many seats. In this manner the marriages play a pivotal role in the extension of the influence of the tribe.