Exploring Sikh Traditions And Heritage

Exploring Sikh Traditions and Heritage follows interdisciplinary approaches, namely, textual and historical analyses of Sikh texts and life-narratives of Guru Nanak to construct the critical events related to Babur's invasions of India; an examination of a non-Sikh text to understand the image of Guru Nanak in the Dadu-panthi tradition; following interview and ethnographic methods to critically look into the global politics behind the Kartarpur Corridor and the sacred heritage of the Darbar Sahib in Pakistan; understanding the nature of modern Sikh activism in both the US and the UK through rich ethnography and historical investigation; introducing a systematic analysis of autoethnography of a person's experience through reflexivity and connecting the personal story to the social, cultural, and political life, having synergy with Sikh sense-making process; and finally, sociological investigation into the changing nature of the Sikh institution of the Akal Takht. In addition to senior scholars, this volume initiates new researchers into the growing field of Sikh studies. It will be a useful resource for both scholars and students of Sikh studies, religion, medieval Indian history, and literature.

This volume gathers scholars who focus on gender through a variety of disciplines and approaches to Sikh Studies. The intersections of religion and gender are here explored, based on an understanding that both are socially constructed. Far from being static, as so often presented in world religions textbooks, religious traditions are constantly in flux, responding to historical, cultural and social contexts. So too is 'the' Sikh tradition in terms of practices, ideologies, rituals, and notions of identity. We here conclude that 'a' Sikh tradition does not exist; instead, there are numerous forms thereof. In this volume, Sikhism is presented as a collection of 'Sikh traditions'. Gender studies--in line with women's liberation, masculine and feminist studies have long examined and have long deconstructed the patriarchy, but also move to identify other subordinate-dominant relations between individuals. Indeed, there are numerous forms of discrimination and power structures that simultaneously create a multiplicity of oppression. Intersectionality has become the basis of an increasingly systematized production of contemporary discourses on feminism and gender analysis, as is evidenced by the varied contributions in this volume.

McLeod's interest embraces all aspects of the life and beliefs of the Sikh people, and is of particular value as an outsider's research into a living religious faith."

Exploring Sikh Traditions and Heritage follows interdisciplinary approaches, namely, textual and historical analyses of Sikh texts and life-narratives of Guru Nanak to construct the critical events related to Babur's invasions of India; an examination of a non-Sikh text to understand the image of Guru Nanak in the Dadu-panthi tradition; following interview and ethnographic methods to critically look into the global politics behind the Kartarpur Corridor and the sacred heritage of the Darbar Sahib in Pakistan; understanding the nature of modern Sikh activism in both the US and the UK through rich ethnography and historical investigation; introducing a systematic analysis of autoethnography of a person's experience through reflexivity and connecting the personal story to the social, cultural, and political life, having synergy with Sikh sense-making process; and finally, sociological investigation into the changing nature of the Sikh institution of the Akal Takht. In addition to senior scholars, this volume initiates new researchers into the growing field of Sikh studies. It will be a useful resource for both scholars and students of Sikh studies, religion, medieval Indian history, and literature.

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Eleanor Nesbitt who is Professor Emeritus of Education Studies at University of Warwick and a poet. Eleanor Nesbitt is an expert on Hindu and Sikh culture and her interdisciplinary approach straddles religious studies, educational theory, ethnography and poetry. After inspiring insights about the time Eleanor Nesbitt spent in India and her academic path, this wide-ranging conversation provides a detailed exploration of the Sikh tradition: the history, religious tenets, other people’s misconceptions about it and more. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Isn’ts, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Looking To Connect - Eleanor explores the world II. Historical Overview - The first ten gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib III. Identity - Turbans, Five Ks and evolving perspectives IV. Towards Deeper Understanding - On all sides About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.

Who Are the Sikhs? is teeming with knowledge, references, and answers to 300 frequently asked questions about Sikhi (the Sikh Faith) and its socio-religious and politico-economic affairs. The author traces the origin or road map of the Sikh faith and identity, and delves into the who, why, what, when, and where of the Creator and the Creation, including evolution. Sikh beliefs, ethics, and practices are eloquently described. The question-and-answer format makes it easier for a reader to choose a topic and find a quick answer. It’s ideal for conversation students, researchers, interfaith couples, multicultural communities, and anyone who wants to know Sikhs. The book embodies both simplicity and scholarly details. The author depicts Sikh philosophy, theology, ideology, and relevance to contemporary life in a common phraseology, making it simpler for the average reader to comprehend. He also shows how susceptible and uncharted trails (such as abortion, test-tube babies, surrogate mothering, artificial insemination, etc.) can be approached and strategized through Gurbani, the spiritual utterances in the Sikh Scripture.

Contributed seminar papers.

Contributed papers presented at a conference.