Religion and Education in India

This book explores the relationship between religion and education in the Indian context, analyzing how religious identities are shaped through education at home and school. It brings together academics and researchers from different faith traditions to understand the significance of transmitting religious education and the need to pay closer attention to the sites through which it is disseminated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between religion and education in the Indian context, offering a profound analysis of the dynamic interplay between these two influential spheres. Through a rigorous examination of the empirical categories and overlapping modes of pedagogical transmission, the volume explores the profound ways in which religious identities are shaped through education, both at home and in educational institutions. By bringing together scholars and researchers from diverse faith traditions, including Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, the book seeks to understand the significance of transmitting religious education and the urgent need to pay closer attention to the various sites through which such instruction is disseminated.

The book is organized into five compelling chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the relationship between religion and education. In the first chapter, the authors provide a historical overview of the role of education in shaping religious identities in India, highlighting the ways in which religious institutions have played a central role in the transmission of religious knowledge and values. The second chapter explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from the intersection of religion and education, particularly in the context of secularism and religious pluralism. The third chapter examines the role of education in promoting social cohesion and harmony, particularly in the aftermath of communal violence and religious tensions. The fourth chapter explores the impact of education on women's empowerment and gender equality, highlighting the ways in which religious institutions and educational systems can either reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles. The fifth chapter examines the role of education in promoting environmental sustainability and ecological consciousness, highlighting the ways in which religious teachings and values can inspire individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable practices.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from sociology, religious studies, secularism, sociology of education, political sociology, South Asia studies, and education in general. The result is a topical and lucid exploration of the complex dynamics that shape the relationship between religion and education in India, offering valuable insights for scholars and researchers in a wide range of disciplines.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between religion and education in the Indian context. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the empirical categories and overlapping modes of pedagogical transmission, the volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of sociology, religious studies, secularism, sociology of education, political sociology, South Asia studies, and education in general. Its topical and lucid approach makes it accessible to a broad audience, and its insights will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion on this important topic.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032503936