The Hindu Sufis of South Asia: Partition Shrine Culture and the Sindhis in India

The Hindu Sufis of South Asia: Partition Shrine Culture and the Sindhis in India Michel Boivin Wymiary : 23,622 x 16,002 Oprawa : Twarda Liczba stron : 256 Data wydania : 05.09.2019 Wydawnictwo : I. B. Tauris & Company ISBN : 9781788315319 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.