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A survey of the Ismaili Muslim traditions and a translation of many Santpanth Ismaili Ginans (hymns
Coursing though cultures and time, tuneful verse has given moving expression to the human longing for the divine. As poetry strung on sweet melodies, hymns bear testimony to the religious life of the devout, and to the inspiring teachings of minstrels and saints. Such is the ginan tradition of the Satpanth Isma'ilis, Indian successors of the Fatand Nizari Isma'ili sect of the Shi'ah Muslims. Traditionally recited during daily ritual prayers, ginans have been revered for generations among the Satpanth Isma'ilis as sacred compositions.
This work offers for the first time an extensive translation of hymns attributed to the Isma'ili saint-composer, Pir Shams (ca. 13th century), who is at once one of the most pivotal and yet most enigmatic figures of this literary tradition. It also presents a cogent historical reconstruction of the beginnings of Satpanth Isma'ilism—a phase of Isma'ili history that has spanned over eight centuries.
"It is rare to find South Asian poetry translated into English in a fashion that gives an impression of the poetic power of the original. I think the author is particularly gifted in her ability to translate in this manner." — Sheila McDonough
"Absolutely wonderful hymns! They reveal something of the quality of the traditions as nothing else can. Their power as community memory and boundary markers through sacred sound is lovingly and expertly communicated in this book." — Frederick M. Denny
Acknowledgments
Transliteration
Map
Chronology of Events (C.E.)
Part I
Ginans: A Wonderful Tradition
Satpanth Isma'ilism in the Context of Isma'ili Studies: Marginal Territory
Rethinking the Emergence and Significance of Satpanth Isma'ilism
Pir Shams: Problems of Historical Identity
Conclusion: Recovering History and Tradition
Notes
Part II
Translator's Preface
Introduction to the Anthology
Notes
Translations of Mahan Ismaili Santa Pir Shams Racit Ginanono Sangraha (An Anthology of Ginans composed by the Great Isma'ili Saint, Pir Shams)
Appendix A. Incipits
Appendix B. Translation of "A Short Life-History of Our Twenty-Third Pir—Hadrat Pir Shams al-Din Sabzawari" in the Anthology
Appendix C. Notes on Names and Epithets in the Anthology
Bibliography
Index