Title: Religion and identity: The Valmiki community in coventry<sup>1</sup>
Abstract: Abstract On the basis of recent research this article describes the development of a Punjabi community in Coventry.2 In its struggle to emerge self‐confident from centuries of oppression in India the Valmiki community has become a religious movement, adapting traditional symbol and ritual to enhance its identity.3 After outlining the position of Valmikis in India prior to migration overseas and settlement in Coventry, I describe the establishment of their temple and a style of worship acceptable to Valmikis of both Hindu and Sikh orientation. Marriage ceremonies of both Sikh and Hindu type exist and Valmiki's domestic worship differs considerably from the temple‐based corporate affirmation of a proud Valmiki identity. The observable phenomena are to be seen not only in the spectrum of Punjabi religion, but also in the context of the contemporary debate on ethnic associations.4 Indications for the future of the community and its religion are also discussed against this background of identity choices for first and second generation British Valmikis in a city which has itself sustained profound change. Integral to any study of the development of the community is the issue of Valmiki identity. Identity raises further questions — in particular about the relationship of the terms 'Hindu' and 'Sikh' and of 'sect' and 'caste' and of the roles of 'private' and 'public' religion.5
Publication Year: 1990
Publication Date: 1990-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 11
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