Anthropological Perspectives on an Army station

During our Bharat Darshan, we got to have a week long attachment with Indian Army. We experienced the life in a typical army camp at frontier locations. Being student of anthropology, I noted down some points from anthropological lens. My mentor Karandeep sir helped me in framing and organising my learnings and insights.

Anthropological Perspectives on an Army Station:

Sub-Culture: An army station forms a distinct sub-culture within the larger societal framework, governed by its unique rules, regulations, and morals. Though embedded within the broader culture, its insular nature and specialized functions set it apart, creating a unique identity.

Bada Khana: This communal dining experience, where officers and jawans eat together, challenges the strict hierarchies typically found in military settings. Radcliffe Brown's structural-functionalist lens might interpret this as a temporary suspension of rigid roles, fostering informal interactions and personal connections.

Caste Regiment: The persistence of caste-based regiments, though excluding officers, highlights the enduring power of caste identity within the Indian army. This phenomenon aligns with Durkheim's view of religion as a source of social cohesion, as shared caste identity fosters unity, pride, and a willingness to sacrifice for the collective.

Social Kinship: The concept of "buddy" in the army exemplifies a unique form of social kinship, distinct from blood or marital ties. This resonates with Janet Carsten's work on social kinship, where non-biological relationships can be as strong and meaningful as those based on blood ties.

Religion: The presence of a makeshift temple within an army tent, near the LAC, underscores the importance of religion as a source of community and faith. This aligns with Durkheim's understanding of religion as a social glue, providing shared rituals and beliefs that unite individuals.

Undefined Territory: The blurred nature of the LAC, where joint patrols occur, highlights the socially constructed nature of borders. This resonates with postmodernist perspectives, emphasising that truth, including territorial boundaries, is often shaped by social perceptions and power dynamics. 

PS: Thoughts are personal and purely from academic point of view. 

Happy Reading!