Identity Politics and Multiculturalism in Buryatia

The present research study attempts to analyse the contradictions related to the Buryat identity formation within the context of multiculturalism. The post-Soviet political development brought conducive environment for religious and cultural revivalism of the minorities, resulting in politicisation of ethnic and religious issues. The modern-day compulsion also makes it difficult for Buryats to retain and sustain their traditional cultural identity. There are several contradictions involved in the Buryat’s identity formation, particularly in the post-Soviet period. Apart from this, there are some limitations imposed by the historical process which makes it difficult for the Buryats to sustain their cultural identity. All these issues are impacting multicultural process in the Buryatia. Therefore, the present paper aims to explore all the issues associated with identity politics and multicultural process in the Republic of Buryatia.