Boundaries and Belonging: Hindu-Muslim Relationship in the Mixed Neighborhood in Meerut

Background and Purpose: Meerut, a historic city in western Uttar Pradesh, India, has long been a site of Hindu-Muslim coexistence marked by both harmony and conflict. This study examines the socio-cultural dynamics between Hindus and Muslims in mixed neighborhoods of Meerut, focusing on how identities are shaped, negotiated, and contested in everyday interactions.

Methods: Through ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and secondary data, this research explores patterns of inter-communal interaction, spatial segregation, shared practices, and both visible and invisible boundaries that define belonging and exclusion in the community. The study also looks at how religious boundaries, while socially constructed, shift in response to political, economic, and social factors.

Results: The study finds that local factors, such as interdependence in trade, shared cultural practices, and collective memory, often mediate communal tensions. However, political polarization, media narratives, and state policies can trigger the disintegration of social trust. While religious boundaries are fluid, they become rigid during times of conflict or political upheaval, often reinforcing division.

Conclusion: This paper contributes to understanding urban neighborhoods as spaces where both boundary-making and bridge-building occur. It highlights the paradox of pluralism, how communities can coexist yet remain segregated. The findings have broader implications for urban policy, peace-building, and secular practices in contemporary India.