Shelter Amidst Chaos: A Study of Refugee Camps in Amritsar Post-Partition

Abstract

This paper examines the pivotal role of refugee camps in Amritsar in providing immediate relief and facilitating long-term rehabilitation for displaced populations during Partition. Focusing on camps such as Golewal, Khalsa College, Central, Golden Temple and many others, this analysis highlights camp conditions, the challenges faced, and the multifaceted efforts to provide food, shelter, medical aid, and security. While some camps offered structured support through community-led initiatives, others relied on limited government resources, resulting in varied experiences for refugees. Amritsar’s proximity to the India-Pakistan border made it a crucial hub for incoming refugees, especially Sikh and Hindu communities fleeing from present-day Pakistan. Despite the camps’ role in managing immediate needs, they also revealed critical gaps in long-term rehabilitation, such as limited mental health support, insufficient vocational training, and inconsistent food and medical supplies. This study underscores the resilience of refugee populations and the complex legacy of these camps, which, while offering immediate relief, faced significant challenges in achieving sustainable resettlement and societal integration for the displaced communities.