‘In Search for Shiva’ shows another world of religiosity that does not look towards Middle East
KARACHI: In Search for Shiva is a fascinating book. It tackles an unusual topic, not usually associated with Pakistan, and its narrative form takes us through the various folk religious practices that are followed in the country. The author has shown through his travels, talks and observations how these unique practices continue in the country, in both cities and rural areas.
The books informs us that hiding within the rising tide of Islamic puritanism and extremism in Pakistan there is another world of religiosity that does not look towards the Middle East for its religious identity but is instead rooted in the cultural beliefs of South Asia.
Comprising traditions that have their roots in the antiquity of the Indus Valley civilisation, it finds expression in shrines of phallic offerings, sacred animals and sacred trees. In the backdrop of economic development and rising extremism, these shrines exist as anomalies and are increasingly at risk of being eroded. Growing connectivity between rural and urban areas further threaten the distinctiveness of these shrines and religious traditions.
Reading this book is like going on a journey with its author, Haroon Khalid.
Khalid has an academic background from Lahore University of Management Sciences. He has also been a travel writer and freelance journalist since 2008. This book is a testament to his beautiful writing style, which gives one the impression that he or she is a fellow traveller.
While the book starts off with topics and issues that most Pakistanis are familiar with, the reader gradually enters into areas of which one has little knowledge — of shrines and holy places and of the beauty of different areas of Pakistan.
We read about practices we did not know existed and of people and places who represent parts of our history and heritage that some quarters wants us to forget.
In present-day Pakistan, it is important for us to read books like this as it reminds us of the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent that we have inherited and shows us why it is important to preserve this as it forms part of our identity. In an ideal Pakistan, this is a book that all students of Pakistan should be made to read. There are topics and stories about a Pakistan that our new custodians do not want us to know about. And yet, this is the tolerant Pakistan that we all should be striving for. A good read for all.
Title: In Search of Shiva: A Study of Folk Religious Practices in Pakistan
Author: Haroon Khalid
Publisher: Rupa Publications
ISBN: 8129137437
Price: $14.99
The writer is Editor of The Express Tribune
Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2016.
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