Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: A Charismatic Authority and His Ideology
Author(s)
Cibotti, John PKeywords
SikhBhindranwale
India
Punjab
Terrorism
Charisma
Weber
Anthropology
Sociology
Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics
Asian Studies
Child Psychology
Community Psychology
Human Ecology
Human Geography
Political Economy
Politics and Social Change
Race and Ethnicity
Regional Sociology
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Social Psychology
Sociology of Culture
Sociology of Religion
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http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3190http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4197&context=etd
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.Date
2017-03-22Type
textIdentifier
oai:digitalcommons.fiu.edu:etd-4197http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3190
http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4197&context=etd