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Migration Dynamics: Structuring Ancestral Dimensions in the Kannur District During the Twentieth Century

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Migration Dynamics: Structuring Ancestral Dimensions in the Kannur District During the Twentieth Century Migration dynamics: Structuring ancestral dimensions in the Kannur District during the twentieth century Jose M A Assistant Professor Department of History, Government Brennen College, Kannur, Kerala Dr.JobyVerghese Assistant Professor and Research Guide Research Department of Political Science, Maharajas College, Ernakulam, Kerala History of migration is as old as the history of „Modern Humans‟ or „Homosapiens‟. It is considered that the Homosapiens had their evolution in North Africa and from there they moved to West Asia (Yemen) about 70000years ago. From West Asia they moved and spread to different parts of world at different times. The modern humans or the first migrant humans might have walked to India from Arabian Peninsula around 65000ago taking inland and coastal routes. Tony Joseph in his book Early Indiansillustrate that India later witnessed migration by other groups like Zagros, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman, Proto -Dravidians, Indo -Europeans etc.. Later small groups like Greeks, Jews, Huns, Sakas, Parsis, Syrians, Afghans, etc arrived. He comments on the ethnicity of Indians, “we all are Indians and we are all migrants”. He came up with his views by making use of information from interpretation of human genome and corroboration from Anthropological and philological studies. NC Shyamalan in his book North Africa to North Malabar traces the origin of humans in North Africa and their journey to different parts of world as migrant groups. Combining genealogical and Archaeological studies, he traces the coming of different migrant groups to India and Kerala. David Reich in his work,who we are and how we got here,also narrates the saga of migration. The story of migration is not as simple as we assume. It is a very complex phenomenon and a difficult experience. Modern migrations are more of individual or family migration mostly for economic and educational reasons. Migration from erstwhile Travancore to Kannur was mainly family migrations with a few 203 | P a g e exception of sponsored group migrations. Malabar migration was a peculiar phenomenon. Modern refugee group migrations are mainly due to ethnic reasons or owning to religious persecutions. Migrants generally find it difficult to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. The assimilation process is difficult and complex. It generally refers to the ways the immigrants adapt to the culture of the dominant society. When they try to adapt to new culture, they generally faces some psychological problems of adaptation.Culture is very much connected to our identity. When we leave behind a culture and encounter a new culture it can be very difficult and may lead to loss of identity or like losing our old culture. There are psychological impacts that result from immigration and assimilation. In some cases it may lead to depression and related mentalHealth challenges.The most common challenge experienced by migrants is the feeling of anxiety in their attempt to learn new language,to find new jobs or confronting with new and hostile ethnic groups etc.In some cases loss of culture may develop into serious mental disorders .In comparison to immigrants,refugees are more prone to serious mental health issues. One factor that negatively impact mental health of immigrants or refugees is racism and discrimination.It may lead to their marginalisation. Migration researches and studies gained prominence in today‟s world given its relevance to the economy,society and culture. Researchers give great importance to the psychological aspects of migration focussing on the stress and strain factors. Migration is a world phenomenon .So many studies have already been conducted in the area of migration. Most of them are narrative stories of migration highlighting its causes,socio-economic implication etc.some modern scholars have conducted their researches into the area of psychological impacts of migration on particular groups or communities mostly centred in America,West Asia,North Africa,Europe etc.But no serious and significant study have already been conducted in the area of cultural and psychological impacts of migration on the migrant people of Kannur district;the proposed area of study.Hence the present study will focus 204 | P a g e The present study is based on the following objectives I. To evaluate the identity crisis of the migrants. II. To assess and evaluate the lived experiences of the migrants. III. To study, assess and evaluate the culturaland psychological impacts of migration on the migrants of Kannur district. The methodology of current research is based on the concepts of post-colonial studies. For the purpose qualitative field work on migration and its psychological and cultural impacts will be conducted .Empirical research methods will be used to improve normative theory with field research. The existing historiography on migration will be analysed critically.The study is based on the conceptual frame work developed by Frantz Fanon,11. Homy K Baba,Edward said,V.J.Varghese and Tony Joseph . The entire research work will include the following five chapters. a) Introduction –It will contain a review of the existing literature tracing the significance of the study and the methodological subscriptions of the study b) Displaced and formulated identities c) Contradictions, conflicts and assimilations d) Represented identities e) Conclusion- It will contain important findings and suggestions. References 1. Tony joseph- Early Indians : The story of our ancestors and where we came from 2. Dinesh bhugra and Mathew Becker- Cultural Berevement and cultural identity 3. H G virupaksh-migration and mental health an interface 4. David Reich – who we are and how we got here 5. OM Espim-Psychological impacts of migration on Latinas 6. NC Shyamalan-North Africa to North Malabar 7. T Solidis-Migration,Diaspora and identity-Cross National experience 8. K Tonkis -Migration and identity in post National World 205 | P a g e 9. Maria Caterina La Barbesa -Identity of migrants in Europe 10. Andorskotnes -Migration and identity 11. Homy K Baba-Location of culture 206 | P a g e .
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