Secular and Religious Politics in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh

This book thoroughly explores the complex relationship between secularism and religious politics in South Asia. It examines the historical and contemporary factors that have influenced the political landscapes of Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, focusing on how colonial legacies, nation-building processes, and religious ideologies have shaped governance and social structures. Through comparative analysis, the book delves into the rise of Hindutva in India, the struggle between secularism and Islamism in Bangladesh, and the role of Islam in Pakistan's politics. By integrating diverse theoretical perspectives and historical contexts, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolving nature of secularism and religious politics in these three nations. It also provides insights into the broader implications for democracy, pluralism, and religious freedom in South Asia. This book is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of religion and politics in one of the world's most complex and dynamic regions.

Offers a rare cross-country examination of secularism and religious politics in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh Combines history with current political analysis, addressing colonial legacies and modern-day religious nationalism Provides actionable insights on managing religious diversity, strengthening secularism, and addressing extremism

Autorentext

Nadeem Malik is a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. He served as the Director of the Development Studies program from 2009 to 2014. As a scholar from South Asia, he specialises in various areas, including development, governance, religion and secularism in South Asia, poverty studies, social theory, political and development anthropology, and Art, theatre, and development. He has taught undergraduate and postgraduate development studies and anthropology courses at the University of Melbourne since 2008. Currently, he teaches courses in Asian Development at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Historical Foundations of Secularism and Religious Politics in South Asia.- Chapter 3: Secularism and Religious Politics in India.- Chapter 4: Islam and Politics in Pakistan.- Chapter 5: Secularism and Islam in Bangladesh: A Complex Evolution.- Chapter 6: Secularism and Religion in Politics: A Comparative Perspective.- Chapter 7: Final Reflections on Secularism and Religious Politics in South Asia.