The Transmission of the Sikh Heritage in the Diaspora

This collection of fourteen essays and two perceptive introductions is the result of an International Conference on the theme ‘The Transition of Sikh Heritage?in?the?Diaspora’?held?at?the?University?of?Michigan?in?1994.

The contributions are grouped under two sections, viz., ‘Heritage and Culture’?and?‘History?and?Politics?’

The presentations cover a wide range of significant academic issues such as religious orthodoxy versus fundamentalism, nationalism, economic and social mobility, gender awareness and cultural transmission and adaptations. The papers provide insights from various disciplines like history,?sociology,?anthropology,?political?science?and?religion.

Given the continuing conflict over the nature of traditions and between opposing views of history and practice among Sikhs for over a century, the essays focus on the transmission of Sikh/Punjabi culture as well as current dilemmas?confronting?the?Sikh?diaspora.

While most of the essays deal with the content of tradition and the message as well as the means of transmission, the study of Singapore Sikhs provides the most detailed account of the relationship between the two.

Ritual, historical interpretation, authority and creative responses to changing circumstances are issues that do not lend themselves to easy solutions. Yet an open exchange of ideas and alternatives should hopefully reduce tension and ultimately lead to a resolution of differences acceptable to Sikhs as a whole. This volume makes a positive contribution towards that process.