Reduced Jati Endogamy Cultivates Pan-Indian Identity Among Indian Americans

Prominent geneticist and author Razib Khan has observed a significant shift in identity formation among Indian Americans, noting the emergence of a "pan-Indian identity" within the community. This development, as articulated by Khan, is primarily attributed to the diminished salience of "jati endogamy" in the United States, distinguishing it from the more advanced but separate Indian national identity.

Jati endogamy refers to the long-standing practice of marrying exclusively within one's specific sub-caste group in India, a system that has historically maintained distinct social and genetic boundaries. Khan's extensive work, often drawing on population genetics, highlights that these endogamous practices have deeply rooted genetic implications, contributing to the unique genetic differentiation observed among various Indian jatis over millennia. In India, this system has been a fundamental organizing principle of society.

In the American diaspora, however, the social pressures and structures that traditionally uphold jati endogamy are considerably weaker. This environment fosters increased inter-jati marriages and social interaction, leading to a blending of diverse Indian backgrounds. Consequently, Indian Americans, who might otherwise identify primarily with their specific regional or caste origins, are increasingly forming a broader, unified "Indian American" identity.

Khan emphasizes that this evolving pan-Indian identity in the U.S. is distinct from the concept of Indian national identity prevalent in India. While Indian national identity unifies diverse groups under a shared nationality, it often coexists with, and sometimes reinforces, traditional jati distinctions. The American context, by contrast, appears to actively erode these traditional divisions, forging a new collective consciousness.

This shift has broader implications for the Indian American community, which has seen growing prominence in various sectors, including politics and technology. The formation of a more cohesive pan-Indian identity could further strengthen their collective voice and influence, as individuals transcend traditional sub-group affiliations to engage as a unified ethnic group within the multicultural fabric of the United States.