Spaces of Religion in Urban South Asia

This book explores religion in South Asian cities, including physical and imagined spaces, institutional and residential areas, and virtual and mediatized spaces. It discusses various issues concerning the role of religion in the dynamic interplay of factors that characterize complex urban social spaces, such as conflictual situations involving places of worship, inclusive religious practices, American Protestant mission, and the celebration of the Prophets birthday.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of religion in diverse spatial configurations across South Asian cities, encompassing both renowned religious centers like Varanasi, Madurai, and Nanded, as well as cities less commonly associated with religious significance, such as Mumbai and Delhi. A diverse array of contributors from various academic disciplines come together to explore a wide range of urban spaces, encompassing both the physical and imagined realms, institutional and residential environments, built and landscaped landscapes, virtual and mediatized realms, and historical and contemporary contexts. Through their insightful discussions, the book addresses a multitude of issues related to the profound role of religion in the intricate interplay of factors that shape complex urban social spaces.

Chapters within this comprehensive volume incorporate a diverse spectrum of religious and spiritual expressions, ranging from the intangible and incorporeal to the material and explicit. These expressions are intricately woven into and expressed as spatial politics, literary works, missionary endeavors, pilgrimage journeys, festivals, and everyday life. The topics examined in depth include conflicts surrounding places of worship in Delhi, inclusive religious practices in Kanpur, the American Protestant mission in Madurai, the joyous celebration of the Prophets birthday in Lahore, gardens as imaginative spaces, the politics of religion in Varanasi, and numerous other captivating aspects.

By vividly illustrating and analytically examining the various ways and forms in which religion persists in South Asian urban contexts, this book holds immense appeal to researchers and students engaged in the fields of cultural studies, the study of religions, urban studies, and South Asian studies. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the multifaceted dynamics and complexities of religion in the urban landscape of South Asia.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367616953