Religion, Civil Society and the State

Religion, civil society and the state form the three dimensions of this semiological study of Sikhism. Uberoi first explains the underlying structure of medievalism in both Hindu and Muslim cultures, and then undertakes an examination of the period of collaboration between Sikhism and Gandhism (1920-25) after the revolution of Islam in Iran. The figure of the martyr is seen to be an integral part of Sikhism, Gandhism and Shia Islam. The book then argues for a recognition, among students of human culture, of the figure of the martyr - whose victory is over the 'self' - rather than the figure of the hero - whose victory is over the 'other' - or the victim, as the universal foundation of civil society.