This volume; part of the 'Themes in Indian History' series; contains 17 essays on various aspects of Islamic traditions in South Asia; spanning the course of 800 years; plus an Introduction by the editor; a well-known expert in this field. The essays cover a wide range of topics and provides a comprehensive summary of the rich diversity and cultural syncretism which are the hallmarks of the Islamic traditions in India. It will become a standard text on the subject of Indian Islam. For a thousand years before the advent of British power; a great variety of Islamic traditions appeared in India letters and conversations of Sufis; vernacular epics; visual arts; qawwali music; commentaries on the Quran; historical chronicles; romance literature; folk ballads; and much more. The essays in this book some of them classics; some written especially for inclusion hereplace such traditions in their historical contexts; and address some basic questions in relation to Islam. The first part of the volume explores the different ways in which Muslims and non-Muslims represented each other across ten centuries of Indias history; and the historical circumstances that shaped these various representations. The second part examines how Islamic traditions were related to the exercise of power; during the long period of Muslim rule over much of India. The third and fourth parts focus on particular genres of Islamic traditions history; romance literature; law; and Sufi and Shi traditions. The final part looks at how Islamic traditions moulded; and were moulded by; the unique cultures of particular regions in South Asia. Part of the prestigious Themes in Indian History series; this reader will benefit students and teachers of medieval Indian history and religious studies; as well as informed general readers interested in the Islamic heritage of the subcontinent.
#963556 in Books 2006-06-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.60 x .90 x 8.40l; .96 #File Name: 019568334X448 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Buy it.By CustomerThis book is... stunning. I have not completed the book; however; I was shocked to see zero reviews. I had to correct this injustice. This not only sheds an incredibly bright and fascinating light on Islam in India; it also makes connections with the wider Muslim world; and especially with the entirety of Indian history. It places Islam into context as an INDIGENOUS Indian religious tradition; rather than a conquering imposter. This is a mistake for both Arab Muslims; who see India's contributions to Islam as muddled; diluted; and uninteresting; and those who; after the colonial era made a sharp distinction between "Hindu" and "Muslim" (was "Hindu" even really a defined sort of thing prior to the coming of Islam?). It casts aside tired explanations for the conversion of a large mass of people to Islam; such as through conquest; or because of a desire to seek favors from Islamic rulers; or the social justice theory which seeks to explain it in light of the hierarchical nature of the caste system. Which of these is correct? None! In fact; there were already Muslims in India at the time of the "conquest;" and; in opposition to our modern view of "conversion;" such a process in the past was not nearly so distinct. Conversion was not a total; and quick break from one religion to the other. Rather; in people; and in the region as a whole; Islam moved into the hearts and the land at a glacial pace almost... organically. Like any other faith extant in the area did. So what was "Hinduism" before Islam other than a pluralistic amalgam of different faiths and strains of spirituality; into which Islam could fit rather snuggly; rather than supplant? This is a fascinating book! At such a price; who can resist?
