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The mythic figure Satya Pir has a wide following among Hindus and Muslims alike in the Bangla-speaking regions of South Asia. Believed to be an avatar of Krishna, or a Sufi saint, or somehow both, he is worshipped for his ability to bring wealth and comfort to a family. This book presents lively translations of eight closely related 18th and 19th century Bengali folk tales centered on Satya Pir and the people he helps. These surprising and entertaining stories fly in the face of conventional wisdom about the separation of Muslims and Hindus.
This book investigates the syncretic religious traditions of 18th and 19th century Bengal through the lens of folk tales centered on the figure of Satya Pir. Tony K. Stewart, a scholar of South Asian religions, utilizes these primary source translations to challenge binary assumptions regarding the historical separation of Hindu and Muslim communities in the region. By examining the narratives of Satya Pir, the author argues that these shared cultural practices reflect a more complex, integrated religious landscape than traditional historiography often acknowledges.
What You Will Find
Scholars and students of South Asian history frequently cite this work as a vital resource for understanding the nuances of religious syncretism in Bengal. The text is noted for its accessible translation style, making it a valuable entry point for those interested in the intersection of folklore and regional religious identity.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2004-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195165292
ISBN-13:
9780195165296
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