Localization and Globalization of Religions

Explores the adaptation of Hinduism and Islam in diasporic settings and inter-religious relations in the Girmit diaspora.

Archival research, micro-biographies, and ethnographic studies shine light on the development of Hindu and Muslim communities around the world, and the relationships between them, to deliver new insights into the history of indentured labour and its impact on the formation of religious heritage and identity. Twelve chapters cover regions including the Southern Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

Part I examines Hinduism in Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji and the Caribbean, while Part II considers the Muslim diaspora. Importantly, Part III looks at the relationships between these two religious groups within the Girmit diaspora, including interreligious cooperation and the experiences of religiously mixed families.

Includes perspective from historians, sociologists, anthropologists, linguists and others. Features contributors based in Australia, France, Fiji, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA.

MAURITS HASSANKHAN is Senior Lecturer/Researcher at the Anton de Kom University, Suriname.

NARINDER MOHKAMSINGH is an Indologist (Leiden University) who works on Indian music, culture and religion in the Caribbean.

GOOLAM VAHED is Professor in the Department of History, University of Kwa Zulu Natal.

RADICA MAHASE is a PhD and Senior Lecturer at the History College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago.