Culture and Customs of Pakistan

by Iftikhar Malik

Overview

Until now, in-depth cultural information on Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country formed in 1947 after the dissolution of British rule in India, has been scarce. This crucial South Asian hotspot, in the news for tensions with neighboring India over nuclear capacity and security issues, finally is illuminated for general readers. This narrative encapsulates the historical pluralistic traditions, such as religious practices, languages, and ethnosocial ties, that Pakistanis share with their neighbors. The coverage of culture and customs is contextualized throughout with the richness of the past and present Indus Valley civilization.

The author is a native of Pakistan and provides authoritative insight into the many aspects of history and contemporary life. Western readers will be exposed to a range of folk traditions that coexist with modern influences from globalization. Descriptions of unfamiliar cultural phenomena such as the architecture of shrines and tombs, the distinctive dress of different groups, Pakistani Muslim courtship and marriage rituals, and lively kite-flying contests are some of the highlights.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313331268
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2005
Series:	Culture and Customs of Asia
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

IFTIKHAR H. MALIK, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, is Professor of History at Bath Spa University, England, and is also associated with Wolfson College.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Acronyms
Chronology
People and Places
Thought and Religion: Unity in Diversity!
Literature and Arts
Architecture and Housing
Cuisine and Traditional Clothes: The Indus Spices and Colours
Gender, Courtship and Marriage
Festivals and Leisure Activities
Performing Arts: Music, Movies and Crafts
Social Customs and Lifestyles
Glossary
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

For general readers, Malik discusses the religions, architecture, housing, cuisine, and traditional dress of the Pakistan culture, the influence of Islam on ideas about gender, courtship, and marriage, as well as literature, arts, film, festivals, leisure activities, customs, and lifestyles in the society. The introduction focuses on the land, people, and history of the country. Other topics include the Urdu language, historic monuments and tombs, and traditional dances. Malik is a native of Pakistan.” —Art Book News Annual

From the Publisher