Between Muslim Pīr and Hindu Saint: Laldas and the Devotional Culture in North India

This book explores the changing form of religious culture in the Mewat region of north India. Cover Advance Praise Between Muslim Pīr and Hindu Saint Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of Figures, Maps and Tables Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations A Note on Transliteration Maps 1 The Spectre of Binaries The Area, Mewat and the Making of the Other Social, Religious and Economic Profile of the Meo Community The Researcher’s Life in the Field Structure of the Book Notes 2 Laldas and Religious Duality of Pīr and Sant The Laldas Order: An Orchard of Diversity Laldas and Cow Veneration Ordained and Non-Ordained Sādhs Notes 3 The Laldas Shrines and Inter-religious Disputes The Emergence of Disputes Communal Relations in Alwar Disputes and Differences in Devotional Styles Notes 4 A Fait Accompli: The Complete Hinduisation of the Laldas Order The Invention of Traditions: Strategies of Appropriating Laldas Temples New Genealogy Pilgrimage Prayers and Bhajans (Hindu Religious Songs) Temple Committees Methods of Advertising The Role of Money Notes 5 Religious Reform and Shared Shrines Making Muslims ‘More Muslim’ Local Non-Islamic Practices of Shirk and Bidāh/Bidat Notes 6 Concealment and Secrecy: Hidden in Plain Sight Ethnographic Stories of Secrecy and Concealment Ahmad’s Secrecy The Religious Dilemma of the two Sisters Abid’s Longing for and Belonging to the Saint Haruni’s Trick to Negotiate Pressure Forms of Everyday Reliance on the Saint: Hazra’s Story The Reluctant Hindu Fundamentalist: Shiva Shankar’s Anxieties Notes 7 Poetic Response to Religious Puritanism The Patrons and the Clients Islamic Reformism and Muslim Bards The Style of Rendition New Songs of Hindu–Muslim Composite Heritage Notes 8 An Ephemeral Line in the Sand Laldas and Syncretism Mixing, Sharing and Borrowing Opposing and Appropriating Notes Appendices Appendix A.1 Glossary Bibliography Index This book focuses on the shared religious figure of Laldas/Khan, and uncovers fascinating historical and contemporary dimensions of Hindu-Muslim socio-cultural interactions around his shrines. It explores reformist and extremist politics that have influenced shared religious traditions, shedding light on the impact of the reformist ideologies of the Arya Samaj and Tablighi Jamaat on the followers of Laldas. It presents a compelling analysis of how some shared religious practices persist and adapt amidst the pressures of dominant reform movements. The inclusion of marginalised voices, particularly women, adds a poignant and powerful dimension to the narrative. Through its comprehensive and thought-provoking approach, the book provides valuable insights into the continuously evolving religious landscape of north Indian devotional Hinduism and popular Islam.