Magic and Religion in the Indian Ocean World
This project focuses mainly on the relationship between Islamic miracle workers in South East Asia and their communities (especially as it regards to politics, socioeconomics, and material cultures). Specifically, it explores how their position and influence–and the beliefs from which they derived their powers–manifested in the face of colonization and their ever-growing cosmopolitan world. Further research also highlighted the influence of other religious leaders in particular groups, especially in South Asia, like the Sikhs. This study is based on information garnered from digitized newspapers from a single platform. A resource oft forgotten in this particular mode of research, it offers a new perspective and very much contemporary into this subject.
Comments
Western Medicine
Wow, this is such an interesting topic! I'm curious to know if the people you are studying still believe in the effects of miracle workers, even as they use western doctors more often. Were you able to speak to any miracle workers in your research to get first-hand perspective/
Islamic miracle work as nationalism?
Hi Sarah, this is an incredibly interesting research topic! I have read very little about the intersection between indigenous mysticism and colonization, particularly in Asia. After reading about your research, I am curious as to whether this type of "miracle work" experienced a resurgence during the movement for decolonization, despite waning with the advent of Western medicine. In other words, could mysticism have symbolized a return to indigenous ways of life as a form of nationalist rebellion against occupying imperialists?
Magic, Mysticism, Upheaval
This whole topic is so, so fascinating and completely new to me. I particularly found your discussion of the relationship between the role of miracle workers and the revolutions that occurred during this time period. It would be interesting to see some of the information laid out on a timeline or some other visualization of change over time to see if there are any spikes in miracle-worker activity or other related articles during patterns of political upheaval.
This is so cool! As you…
This is so cool! As you mentioned their retained prominence in their own communities, would it be fair to say they're also community leaders too? I wonder how these communities feel about the large decrease in the miracle worker's overall societal influence with colonization.