Author: T N Madan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 460
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195630920
Description
This volume attempts to capture the great diversity of religious phenomena in India and brings together the theoretical perspective of a wide variety of scholars.
Religion in India is an important contribution to the sociology of religion. Professor Madan's excellent introductory essay includes a lucid overview of the major sociological theories of religion.
COMMENT:
Professor T N Madan has done a splendid job in bringing together a selection of readings that is At the same time original and well-balanced. It deserves to be read and consulted extensively by the professional as well as the layman. There could not be a better introduction to this rich and exciting field of study. Andre Beteille, Professor of Sociology, University of Delhi.
Contents
Preface to the Enlarged Paperback Edition
Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction
CHAPTER I
I SACRED KNOWLEDGE
The Qur'an
A Folk Deity of Tamil Nad : Aiyanar, The Lord
The Evil Eye
Hindu Values of Life : Karma and Dharma
Purity and Pollution
CHAPTER II
SACRED SPACE
The Toda Dairy
The Meaning of Space in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Sinking Flowers at Hardwar
Kashi : City of All India
Concepts of Space in Ritual
CHAPTER III
SACRED TIME
Cyclical Time : Durgapuja in Bengal : Concepts, Actions, Objects
Time Renewed : Ratha jatra in Puri
Murtipuja in Svetambar Jain Temples
Mangala among the Coorgs
The Pilgrimage to Ajmer
Moharram
CHAPTER IV
Saora Shamans and Shamanins
Sathya Sai Baba's Miracles
Hindu Temple Priests
Gaya Priests and their Social Networks
Five Symbols of Sikh Identity
CHAPTER V
REORIENTATIONS TO THE SACRED
Elements of Communalism
The Radical and Protesting Asectic
Christian Fundamentalism as Counter-Culture
The Logic of Religious Violence
Secularism in its Place
Appendix
References
Index