Synopses & Reviews
The growth in Sikh studies worldwide has led to greater attention to Sikh history and culture in recent times. Written in honour of W.H. McLeod and N. Gerald Barrier, two pioneers of Sikh studies, this book goes beyond the usual studies of Sikh philosophy and religious practice. The essays explore Sikh historiography, identity, music and ethics, the Sikh diaspora, and the history and the current state of scholarship in the area of Sikh studies. They represent a diverse range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of Sikhism, including religious studies, historical studies, anthropology, sociology, gender and ethnic studies, ethnomusicology, diaspora studies, and ritual and performance studies. They also analyse how local experiences confirm yet complicate notions of global and/or diasporic Sikh belief and practice.
This book will be of considerable interest to scholars and students of Sikh studies, history, religion, diaspora studies as well as general readers.
About the Author
Pashaura Singh also taught Sikh studies, the Punjabi language and religions of India for thirteen years at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Table of Contents
Preface Acknowledgements
Introduction by Pashaura Singh
1. The Legacy of History and Contemporary Challenges by N. Gerald Barrier
2. The Guru Granth Sahib: A Global Reservoir by Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh
3. Studying the Sikhs: Thirty Years LaterWhere Have We Come, Where Are We Going? by Doris Jakobsh
4. Sikh Militancy and Non-violence by Paul Wallace
5. Musical Chaunkis at the Darbar Sahib: History, Aesthetics, and Time by Pashaura Singh
6. 'Except the True Name, I Have No Miracle': Modern Sikh Understandings of the Miraculous by Susan E. Prill
7. Diaspora Philanthropy: The Case of Sikhs Giving Back to Punjab by Verne A. Dusenbery and Darshan S. Tatla
8. We are not Sikhs or Hindus: Issues of Identity among the Valmikis and Ravidasis in Britain by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar
9. The Other Sikhs: The Sikhs of Shillong by Himadri Banerjee
10. Gurbani Kirtan and the Performance of Sikh Identity in the Southern California Diaspora by Charles Townsend
11. Home and the World: The Nagar Kirtan and Sikh Diaspora by Gurveen Kaur Khurana
12. Sikh Material Culture: Children's Literature and Sikh Identity by Toby B. Johnson
Appendices
Notes on Contributors