South Asian Religions Tradition and Today

The religious landscape of South Asia is complex and fascinating. While existing literature tends to focus on the majority religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, much less attention is given to Jainism, Sikhism, Islam or Christianity. While not nelecting the majority traditions, this valuable resource also explores the important role which the minority traditions play in the religious life of the subcontinent, covering popular as well as elite expressions of religious faith. By examining the realities of religious life, and the ways in which the traditions are practised on the ground, this book provides an illuminating introduction to religion in South Asia.

Introduction: In a Shared World - Selva J. Raj and the Study of Religion Karen Pechilis 1. Tribal Religions in India: Practicing Tradition Today Joseph Marianus Kujur 2. Hinduism: Practicing Tradition Today Vasudha Narayanan 3. Jain Traditions: Practicing Tradition Today M. Whitney Kelting 4. Buddhism in South Asia: Practicing Tradition Today Sunil Goonasekera 5. South Asian Judaisms: Practicing Tradition Today Nathan Katz 6. South Asian Christianity: Practicing Tradition Today M. Thomas Thangaraj 7. Islam in South Asia: Practicing Tradition Today Karen G. Ruffle 8. Sikhism: Practicing Tradition Today Pashaura Singh

Karen Pechilis is NEH Distinguished Professor of Humanities and Chair and Professor of Religion at Drew University, USA. Her books for Routledge include Interpreting Devotion: The Poetry and Legacy of a Female Bhakti Saint of India (2011).

Selva J. Raj (1952- 2008) was Chair and Stanley S. Kresge Professor of Religious Studies at Albion College, USA. He served as chairman of the Conference on the Study of Religions of India and co-edited several books on South Asia.