Religion and Pride - Hindus in Search of Recognition in La Reunion

Seeking recognition presents an important driving force in the making of religious minorities, as is shown in this study that examines current debates on religion, globalization, diaspora, and secularism through the lens of Hindus living in the French overseas department of La Réunion. Through the examination of religious practices and public performance, the author offers a compelling study of how the Hindus of the island assert pride in their religion as a means of gaining recognition, self-esteem, and social status.

List of contents

List of Illustrations

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1. (Im)mobile in the Indian Ocean

Chapter 2. Pride Politics and the Making of a Religious Minority

Chapter 3. Relating to India in Different Ways

Chapter 4. The Quest for Religious Knowledge

Chapter 5. Strategic Bricolage

Chapter 6. Rituals, Emotions, and Aesthetics

Conclusion

Glossary

Index

About the author

Natalie Lang is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore. She received the Frobenius Research Award for her doctoral thesis, which she defended at the Centre for Modern Indian Studies, University of Göttingen.

Summary

Through the examination of religious practices and public performance, the author offers a compelling study of how the Hindu community in the French territory of La Réunion assert pride in their religion as a means of gaining recognition as a religious minority.

Product details

• Authors: Natalie Lang
• Publisher: BERGHAHN BOOKS, INC
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.03.2021
• EAN: 9781800730274
• ISBN: 978-1-80073-027-4
• No. of pages: 234
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Miscellaneous; RELIGION / Religious Intolerance, Persecution & Conflict, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, East Africa, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Hinduism, Social and cultural anthropology, Religious intolerance, persecution and conflict, Religious intolerance, persecution & conflict, Hindu Life & Practice, Relating to Hindu people and groups, Anthropology of Religion; Anthropology (General)