Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction

Description

This Very Short Introduction describes the key threads in the history of Sikhism, from the late 15th century to the present day. It examines the development of a distinct Sikh identity, and explores Sikhism's meanings and myths, the teachings these embody, and its practices, rituals, and festivals.

• Provides a wide-ranging, authoritative presentation of Sikh thought and history with sensitivity and balance, without avoiding controversial aspects
• Introduces readers to current and emerging issues for Sikhs today
• Builds on previous research and draws on the most recent theories to provide an introduction that is current and relevant
• Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over seven million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Education Studies, University of Warwick

Eleanor Nesbitt is Professor Emeritus in the Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, Centre for Education Studies, University of Warwick. Her ethnographic research has focused on the lives of young people in Sikh, Hindu, and Christian communities in the UK. Her publications include Intercultural Education: Ethnographic and Religious Approaches (Sussex Academic Press, 2004) and Interfaith Pilgrims (Quaker Books, 2003).

Table of Contents

1:Introduction
2:Guru Nanak and his first successors
3:Guru Granth Sahib
4:Turban, Khalsa, and codes of conduct
5:The shaping of modern Sikhism
6:Sikhism outside India
7:Attitudes to caste, gender, and other faiths
8:Sikhism and the third millennium
Further reading
Glossary
Timeline
Index

Reviews

"an excellent, beautifully written, scholarly secure book ... S Geoff Teece, RE Today"