Skip to main content

Distributed for Seagull Books

Logic in a Popular Form

Essays on Popular Religion in Bengal

Taking its title from Karl Marx’s description of religion as the world’s “logic in a popular form,” this book explores the hidden logic behind popular religions in nineteenth-century Bengal. Sumanta Banerjee examines cross-religious cults and the construction of Bengali myths and beliefs about godlings and spirits, approaching them as popular inventions that attempt to make sense of human existence in the face of an overwhelming and often hostile environment.

These religious manifestations of popular logic—ranging from Kali to Radha–Krishna to Satyapir to Tantric practice—are fluid and constantly innovating. Banerjee argues that they represent an alternative stream running parallel to, and often challenging, the more strictly structured beliefs and practices of the Indian religious establishments, whether Hindu, Islamic or Christian.

            Logic in a Popular Form brings to light many significant aspects of the multifaceted phenomenon of popular religion in Bengal, while tracing the impact of urbanization, colonialism, and nationalism. Banerjee re-examines the relevance of the beliefs and rituals that continue to survive in Bengali society today.


256 pages | 6 x 9 | © 2002

The India List

Religion: South and East Asian Religions


Seagull Books image

View all books from Seagull Books

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

One

The Changing Role of Kali in the Bengali Popular Psyche

Two

The ‘Pir’ and the ‘Narayana’: A Syncretistic Accommodation in Bengali Ritual and Folklore

Three

Radha and Krishna in a Colonial Metropolis

Four

From Aulchand to Sati-Ma: The Institutionalization of the Karta-Bhaja Sect in Nineteenth-Century Bengal

Five

Bamakshyapa of Tarapeeth: The Dramatist of Popular Angst

Six

The Ambiguities of Bharat Mata: A Bhadralok Goddess in Colonial Bengal

Conclusion

Index

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press