Regional Cults

The Chalcolithic period was formative in Near Eastern prehistory, being a time of fundamental social change in craft specialization, horticulture and temple life. Gilat - a low mound, semi-communal farming settlement in the Negev desert - is one of the few Chalcolithic sanctuary sites in the Southern Levant. 'Archaeology, Anthropology and Cult' presents a critical analysis of the archaeological data from Gilat. The book brings together archaeological finds and anthropological theory to examine the role of religion in the evolution of society and the power of ritual in promoting change. This comprehensive volume, which includes artefact drawings, photographs, maps and data tables, will be of interest to students and scholars of ancient history, anthropology, archaeology, as well as biblical and religious studies.

This book is a significant contribution to a much known but less studied subject in the domain of social sciences. Dr. R.M. Sarkar, a well known anthropological researcher,based on his empirical findings has analysed the way of life of rural people through the study of village cults and village deities. The region of study covers a large territory extending from the border regions of Birbhum and Santal Parganas districts and include some parts of Burdwan in West Bengal and is mainly inhabited by the Bagdi,Mal,Lohar,Dom,Bauri,Mochi,Hadi communities and other higher castes of the greater Hindu society. The author has traced the origin from history and mythology of the five principal village deites; viz; Chandi,Manasa,Dharmaraj, Mahadana and Kali and have systematically analysed their pattersn of propitiations,feasts and festivals to illustrate various aspects of life of village folk-inter alia presenting a large number of rural traditions myths and popular beliefs details of numerous rites and rituals right from the starting of the puja festival up to the ceremonial immersion of the deities. In nutshell,the village deities emerge as mechanism for maintaining social solidarity and cultural harmony and cut across high and low segments such as Jal-chal (Castes from which water can be accepted), Jal-achal (Castes from which water cannot be accepted,) Chhut( Touchables ) and Achhut (Untouchables). This interesting work would arouse interest in scholars and researchers of Social Anthropology, Indology Sociology, Folklore, Philosophy and Religion.

Published in 1981, Religious Change in Zambia is a valuable contribution to the field of Middle East Studies.

For some decades American (and other) culture has been obsessed with cults. But what does "cult" mean? How should a religious group be identified as a cult? Who joins cults and why? These and other questions are answered in this book. It provides a basic introduction to cults, "unsafe sects," especially from an orthodox Christian perspective. Here readers will also find accounts of the author's personal experiences of cults.

This book traces the evolution of Sufism from the formative period to the present.