Multiculturalism and Socio-Cultural Practices of Buryats in the Post Soviet Period

Abstract

The post Soviet social composition of Russian society is quite different from the Soviet period. During Soviet period, nearly half of the population was ethnic Russians while remaining half was formed of various other cultural groups. Nevertheless, the social complexities of post Soviet Russia had changed considerably. Nearly eighty percent population is ethnic Russians and only a small segment of twenty percent population comprises other nationalities. The Republic of Buryatia and its most significant nationality ‘Buryats’ share ancestral lineage with ancient Mongol Empire, that in some way gives opportunity for deep insights into rich and unique cultural heritage of Buryats. Consequently, the present research study looks into the distinctive cultural tradition and social practices of Buryat and attempts to draw their ancestral lineage since Mongols to their post Soviet settlements in Buryatia Republic. It also examines the nature of impact on Buryats’ cultural practices due to shrinking multicultural space in post Soviet Russia. Finally, the present paper also looks into the degree of multicultural space provided by the Russia’s mainstream society towards preserving and sustaining Buryat ancient cultural practices.