This book offers a contemporary approach to the study of religion in modern South Asia. It explores the development of religious ideas and practices in the region, giving students a clear and critical understanding of social, political and historical context. Part One takes a fresh look at some familiar themes in the study of religion, such as deity, authoritative texts, myth, worship, teacher traditions and caste, and helps students understand diverse ways of approaching these themes. Part Two focuses on some of the key ways in which Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism in South Asia have been shaped in the modern period. Overall the book considers the impact of gender, politics, and the way religion itself is variously understood. The chapters contain a compelling range of primary source materials and a series of geographical and historical 'snapshots' to orientate readers to South Asia. Valuable features for students include images, task boxes, discussion points, suggestions for further reading, a timeline and glossary of terms.

First published in 2003, Decentring the Indian Nation examines the various centrifugal forces apparent in recent Indian politics. After achieving independence in 1947 India's elite opted to build a modern nation-state. This idea was carefully nurtured during the fight for freedom from British rule by the dominant Congress movement. In recent years, the idea of a centralised state has been challenged from a number of directions. Strong regional political movements have questioned the assumption that India's federal system requires a dominant centre. The related trend of identity-based mobilisation has challenged settled notions of Indian national identity. The authors discuss the idea that as a nation, India is becoming 'decentred', and consider the implications of this idea for the development of the Indian polity. This book will be of interest to students of politics, geography and development.

This book captures the complexity and intricacy of lived religious
practice in South Asia through well-chosen case studies and focus on
crucial questions. Highly recommended.
Paula Richman, William H. Danforth Professor of South Asian Religions,
Oberlin College, USA
This book offers a contemporary approach to the study of religion in
modern South Asia. It explores the development of religious ideas and
practices in the region, giving students a clear and critical understanding
of social, political and historical context.
Part One takes a fresh look at some familiar themes in the study
of religion, such as deity, authoritative texts, myth, worship, teacher
traditions and caste, and helps students understand diverse ways of
approaching these themes.
Part Two focuses on some of the key ways in which Buddhism,
Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism in South Asia have been shaped in the
modern period. Overall the book considers the impact of gender, politics,
and the way religion itself is variously understood.
The chapters contain a compelling range of primary source materials and
a series of geographical and historical snapshots to orientate readers
to South Asia. Valuable features for students include images, task boxes,
discussion points, suggestions for further reading, a timeline and glossary
of terms.