Begging, Street Politics and Power: The Religious and Secular Regulation of Begging in India and Pakistan (Routledge Studies in Religion)

Begging is a complex phenomenon, and its causes are multi-dimensional, ranging from religion, to socio-economic crime and politics. Likewise, the beggar does not belong to a homogenous group. Beggars are heterogenous in nature belonging to many different categories, from children, to adults, to the elderly. Begging, Street Politics and Power focuses on the concepts of begging, street politics, religion and power in two different contexts: India and Pakistan. Considering both religious and secular begging regulation, and drawing on Hindu and Islamic engagements with begging as well as laws regulating begging in both geographical contexts, the book brings to the debate a wider social scientific critique of the power relationships inherent in this phenomenon. In doing so, the book will also unravel many of the commonalities and differences in religion and society within South Asia. Therefore, this book will be of interest to scholars working across the fields of religious studies, social science, law and South Asian studies. Begging, Street Politics and Power explore le phénomène complexe de la mendicité dans le contexte de deux religions et sociétés différentes en Asie du Sud. En se concentrant sur l'Inde et le Pakistan, l'ouvrage propose un examen approfondi des lois religieuses et laïques qui régissent la mendicité, ainsi qu'une discussion sur la dynamique du pouvoir en jeu. S'appuyant sur l'analyse textuelle et la recherche qualitative sur le terrain, les chapitres considèrent la notion de charité dans l'hindouisme et l'islam, la transaction de donner et de recevoir, et les structures politiques en jeu dans les lieux étudiés. L'ouvrage aborde les aspects conflictuels, compassionnels et criminels, de la mendicité et révèle certains des points communs et des différences entre la religion et la société en Asie du Sud. Il intéressera les chercheurs travaillant dans les domaines des études religieuses, des sciences sociales, du droit et des études asiatiques "Begging, Street Politics and Power explores the complex phenomenon of begging in the context of two different religions and societies in South Asia. Focusing on India and Pakistan, the book provides an in-depth examination of the religious and secular laws regulating begging along with discussion of the power dynamics involved. Drawing on textual analysis and qualitative field research, the chapters consider the notion of charity within Hinduism and Islam, the transaction of giving and receiving, and the political structures at play in the locations studied. The book engages with the conflicting compassionate and criminal sides of begging and reveals some of the commonalities and differences in religion and society within South Asia. It will be of interest to scholars working across the fields of religious studies, social science, law and Asian studies"-- Provided by publisher __Begging, Street Politics and Power__ explores the complex phenomenon of begging in the context of two different religions and societies in South Asia. Focusing on India and Pakistan, the book provides an in-depth examination of the religious and secular laws regulating begging along with discussion of the power dynamics involved. Drawing on textual analysis and qualitative field research, the chapters consider the notion of charity within Hinduism and Islam, the transaction of giving and receiving, and the political structures at play in the locations studied. The book engages with the conflicting compassionate and criminal sides of begging and reveals some of the commonalities and differences in religion and society within South Asia. It will be of interest to scholars working across the fields of religious studies, social science, law and Asian studies. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgements General notes Introduction 1. The role of charity in religion and regulation of begging: Hinduism and Islam 2. Secular legal and political structures that regulate begging Conclusion Index