Suchergebnisse

Sociological Traditions looks at the sociology of India from two perspectives: first, understanding the cultural traditions of India with special reference to religious and ethical values; and second, exploring the growth of the sociological traditions of India. Divided in two parts, the book goes beyond mere description of the main religious traditions and looks at the ethical values that are embedded in the religio-secular traditions of India. It also projects the sociological traditions of India as a historical process, a process of growth of sociological knowledge. The basic premise of the

Focusing on the householder in Hindu society, this Omnibus brings together distinguished sociologist T.N. Madan's writings on the theme. With a new preface, prologue, epilogue, and three new appendices, the omnibus sheds light on life and society of Pandits in the Kashmir Valley.

Secularism is one of the important and contentious public debates in India today. It is seen to be in greater crisis now than ever before, making a case for the continuing presence of this book. The debate also furnishes the making of Indian polity and society, given the inter-related development of culture, society and politics in India. It is thus a debate about religious nationalism and fundamentalism as well. Modern Myths, Locked Minds examines the ideologies of secularism and fundamentalism in the setting of the religious traditions of India--Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam. Further insightful comparison of the traditions is offered, each seen over a long period of time, revealing markedly distinctive historical experiences

Examines the origins, motivations, & evolution of current & past Sikh fundamentalism, described as a reactive phenomenon driven by many factors, primarily fear of Others. The 1983 storming of the Golden Temple of Amritsar by Indian troops & death of Sikh fundamentalist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who occupied it, is used as a context for discussion. Bhindranwale's militant interpretation of the basic teachings of Sikh religious tradition, which denied its pacifism, piety, & religious tolerance, is analyzed. Similar calls for return to fundamental values & teachings during the 19th century, as seen in the Nirankari & Namdhari movements, are described. It is shown how Sikh fundamentalism has been shaped more by employing traditional elements for contemporary uses than returning to the values of the past, as exemplified by efforts to establish an exclusive Sikh identity during the early 20th century. Events following the 1983 raid & the forces (Hindu militancy, a deep sense of injury felt after the raid) shaping the scattered, fractious, & exclusionist nature of current Sikh fundamentalism are discussed. It is concluded that Sikh fundamentalism is unlikely to dissipate any time soon, & what is needed is a reevaluation of the relations between state, religion, & society. Bibliog. T. Arnold

The present paper seeks 'to explore the nature of Indian secularism, the difficulties it has run into, and the ways in which it may be revised'. This is a large undertaking for a short text, originally written as public lecture, particularly because the issues posed do nopt readily translate into plain questions. The most that I can hope to do is to raise some doubts and make a few suggestions for rethinking the issues involved.