Muslim Society and the Western Indian Ocean: The Seafarers of Kachchh

by Simpson; Edward

• ISBN13: 9780415376105
• ISBN10: 0415376106
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-06-13
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

"Muslim Society and the Western Indian Ocean explores the social processes through which practical reasoning is translated into meaningful collective action. Focusing on craft learning and religious practice, the study examines the ways in which the two kinds of knowledge are simultaneously transmitted between Muslim masters and apprentices in the traditional shipyards of Kachchh, Gujarat. The chapters of the book are loosely structured around the career trajectory of the typical apprentice, from his early years of labouring in shipyards to his later life as an accomplished sailor, experienced in the ways of the Indian Ocean. Apprenticeship is treated as a process that puts into stark relief broader social processes and concerns."--BOOK JACKET.

Author Biography

Edward Simpson is Lecturer in Anthropology at Goldsmiths College, University of London

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	ix
Notes on language and text	xi
Abbreviations	xiii
Map of the western Indian Ocean	xiv
Introduction	1	(25)
Texts, machinations and the past	26	(29)
Shipyard apprenticeship and the transmission of knowledge	55	(32)
Reform and status competition between Muslims	87	(23)
Hindu nationalism and the Muslim response	110	(33)
Imagination, exchange and value	143	(16)
Conclusion: anthropology, history and parochialism in the western Indian Ocean	159	(6)
Notes	165	(4)
Bibliography	169	(14)
Index	183