Migration & Partition: Social and Cultural Consequences in India

Abstract

This study explores the socio-cultural consequences of migration resulting from the 1947 Partition of India, focusing on the long-term impacts on displaced communities. Using a qualitative approach, the research examines how migration reshaped cultural identities, disrupted family structures, and caused intergenerational trauma. Findings reveal that migration not only led to demographic shifts but also to significant changes in social integration, identity formation, and the preservation of cultural practices such as language and cuisine. The trauma of displacement continues to affect the descendants of migrants, influencing their social and cultural identities today. This study contributes to the understanding of post-partition migration by highlighting the complexities of cultural reformation and memory preservation. It also offers recommendations for supporting marginalized communities through mental health programs, cultural preservation initiatives, and social integration policies. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing historical trauma for fostering national cohesion and cultural continuity in contemporary India.