
The Hindu Sufis of South Asia
Partition, Shrine Culture and the Sindhis in India
- 256 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Within the complex religious landscape of modern India, the community of Sindh stands out as a powerful example of interfaith relations. This Hindu community moved to India and practiced Sufism following Sindh's inclusion to Pakistan in the 1947 partition. Drawing on a close analysis of literature and poetry, interviews with key informants, and a reading of historic rituals and architectures, Michel Boivin demonstrates that this active religious minority has managed to retain its unique Hindu-Sufi identity amidst the rigidification of official religions in both India and Pakistan. Of particular significance, Boivin argues, was the creation of sacred spaces called darbars. These shrines include a religious building where the Hindu Sindhis worship Sufi saints, chant Sufi poetry and perform Sufi rituals.
In looking at this vibrant community as a trans-religious culture capable of navigating the challenges of the modern nation state, this book is an important contribution to understanding the Muslim-Hindu encounter in India.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Half-Title
- Series
- Dedication
- Title
- Contents
- List of Illustrations
- Acknowledgements
- Table of annexes
- Introduction
- 1 The religious market in Sindh on the eve of partition
- 2 The new settlement and the making of the darbars
- 3 Sufi poetry and the production of the mystical space
- 4 Alternative Sufi structures as networking India and beyond
- 5 Rituals as connecting spaces and community
- 6 The transmission of the Sufi legacy in India
- 7 The Sufi paths and the Hindus of Sindh in Pakistan
- General conclusion
- Notes
- Glossary
- Annexes
- Bibliography
- Index
- Copyright