Violence and Resistance in Sikh Gendered Identity

This book explores the constructions and representations of male and female Sikhs in Indian and diasporic literature and culture through the consideration of the role of violence as constitutive of Sikh identity. It looks at the role of violence during critical junctures in Sikh history, including the Mughal, British colonial, Partition of India, 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the terror of 9/11. It also highlights questions related to womens agency and their negotiation of traumatic memories for empowering identities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate constructions and representations of male and female Sikhs in Indian and diasporic literature and culture, exploring the profound role of violence as a constitutive element of Sikh identity. Through a comprehensive examination of Indian literature and culture, the book seeks to understand the complex dynamics of violence and its impact on the feminization of baptized and turbaned Sikh men, as well as the identity formation of Sikh women who are often marginalized, erased, or portrayed as invisible. The author analyzes the historical context of violence, including key events such as the Mughal period, British colonialism, the Partition of India, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, and the devastating terror attacks of 9/11 in the United States. By examining how violence reconfigures gender roles and sexuality within various cultural and national spaces in India and the diaspora, the author sheds light on the intricate web of power dynamics and the struggles for empowerment that exist within Sikh communities.

Furthermore, the book raises important questions related to women's agency and their negotiation of traumatic memories in the pursuit of empowering identities. It offers a rich and nuanced analysis that will appeal to scholars, researchers, and students across a wide range of disciplines, including postcolonial English literature, contemporary Indian literature, Sikh studies, diaspora studies, global studies, gender and sexuality studies, religious studies, history, sociology, media and films studies, cultural studies, popular culture, and South Asian studies.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the field of Sikh studies, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex interplay between violence, gender, and identity within Sikh communities. It offers valuable insights into the historical and contemporary experiences of Sikhs and sheds light on the ongoing struggles for empowerment and recognition within South Asian and global contexts.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367494636