Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
Religious Studies
First Advisor's Name
Steven Vose
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee chair
Second Advisor's Name
Erik Larson
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Third Advisor's Name
Albert Wuaku
Third Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Keywords
Sikh, Bhindranwale, India, Punjab, Terrorism, Charisma, Weber, Anthropology, Sociology
Date of Defense
3-22-2017
Abstract
Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s militant and masculinist discourses were embraced by Punjabi Sikhs because of his presence as a charismatic authority, a concept first developed by sociologist Max Weber to understand the conditions surrounding and personal qualities of a figure which attracts followers. The rebellion he led in Punjab resulted from his radical exploitation of issues concerning the Sikh community. Religion was wielded as a tool, legitimizing Sikh violence as commanded by the Gurus. Radical interpretations of Sikh scripture and folklore were initially preached to rural, less educated crowds. While his sermons brought out their frustrations with the government, his charisma allowed him to manipulate young men, his largest demographic of supporters, into embracing violence. This study analyzes Bhindranwale from the perspective of the people that supported him. By identifying multiple social factors through which to understand Bhindranwale’s reign, this study exhibits his importance in understanding Sikhism in Modern India.
Identifier
FIDC001784
Recommended Citation
Cibotti, John P., "Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: A Charismatic Authority and His Ideology" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3190.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3190
Included in
Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Asian Studies Commons, Child Psychology Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Human Ecology Commons, Human Geography Commons, Political Economy Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Regional Sociology Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Sociology of Religion Commons
Rights Statement
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).