Description
Book SynopsisCivil Society in Malerkotla, Punjab: Fostering Resilience through Religion by Karenjot Bhangoo Randhawa explores the direct role that religion plays in conflict and peace that has often been difficult to isolate. This study extends previous work on peace and conflict resolution by looking at a town which has witnessed many outbreaks of violence in the past but still holds peace as the norm. The former princely state of Malerkotla, Punjab is a place where riots did not occur during Partition. In this unique Muslim majority town, there are four distinct religious groups that live in close proximity to each other. Yet, the overall pattern of peaceful plurality in the town has resulted in the transcendence of violence even when the threat looms close by. The unique case of Malerkotla, Punjab provides an opportunity to look more closely and critically at Sikhs and their relationship with Muslims in India. As a case study, this work captures the overall pattern of Sikh-Muslim interaction in
Trade ReviewKarenjot Bhangoo Randhawa's Civil Society in Malerkotla, Punjab: Fostering Resilience Through Religion examines the prevalence of peace between Muslims and the Sikhs in the city of Malerkotla, Punjab. Based in the literature on religious studies and peace and conflict studies, this book provides a unique glimpse at the ways in which peace is built and maintained in a religiously diverse society. . . .This book is a valuable addition to the peace and conflict studies literature and would be useful for scholars in peace studies/conflict analysis, as well as conflict resolution practitioners. This book is also beneficial for those studying religion and civil society. * International Journal on World Peace *
Though ethnic conflict grabs the headlines, the good news is that in some areas of the world inter-faith relationships actually work. The region of Malerkotla in India's Punjab state is one remarkable example, a place in the middle of ethnic conflict where Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh harmony is a way of life. This insightful study shows why. Through case studies, survey research, and theoretical analysis, it explores the various facets of intercultural toleration and demonstrates that if multicultural harmony can work in Malerkotla it can be a model for our complex and divisive world. -- Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara
Table of ContentsTable of Contents Preface Introduction Identifying Peacebuilding at Work: Notes on Methodology The need for Sikh-Muslim Analysis Methodological Challenges Outline of the Book Chapter 1: Evolution of Theories: Conflict and Peace Religion and Conflict Peacebuilding at the State and Community Level Chapter 2: Civil Society The Role of Religion Group Identity and Space Sharing Narratives in Religious Communities Rationale for Case Study in an Ethnographic Tradition Researchable Questions Content Analysis Ethnographic Methods In-depth Interviewing Chapter 3: Sikhism and Islam: A Historical Look at Religious Constructions of Peace and Conflict Tensions in History: Sikhs and Muslims Islam and nonviolence in the Punjab Partition Partition’s effect on Malerkotla Chapter 4: Perspectives from Malerkotla Religion and History Religious Historical Narratives Understanding Others Religious Teachings and Practices Religious Exchange Ideas of Peace and Conflict Informed by Sacred Text/Teachings/Similarity in Content Conflict Incidences Engagement in Peacebuilding Activities Analysis of Findings Chapter 5: Civil Society Linkages Negotiating the Collective Memory: Narratives of Past and Present Inclusive Political Processes Economic Life and Interreligious Relations Civil Society Education Social Relations Conflict Resolution Systems Media Conclusion
