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Civil Society in Malerkotla, Punjab: Fostering Resilience Through Religion
Author(s): Karenjot Bhangoo Randhawa (Author)
- Publisher: Lexington Books (UK)
- Publication Date: 17 Aug. 2012
- Language: English
- Print length: 140 pages
- ISBN-10: 9780739167373
- ISBN-13: 0739167375
Book Description
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 a town that can transcend conflict and make peace the norm. Randhawa uncovers how religious associations, expressions and activities have helped to build social capital and stabilize peace. This book also emphasizes interreligious understanding, cross-cultural awareness, and conflict transformation, and discusses how interfaith communities can work together to bridge understanding in order to prevent violence.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Karenjot 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, professor emeritus of global studies and sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara
