Vernacularization of Sufism and the Symbiotic Relationship between Scholars and Rulers: A Study on the Cultural Transformation of Islam in South Asia
Keywords:
Sufism, Vernacularization of Islam, Islamic Political Patronage, Cultural Transformation, South Asian IslamAbstract
This article examines the role of Sufism’s vernacularization and the evolving relationship between Sufi scholars and political authorities in driving the cultural transformation of Islam in South Asia. Sufi figures were instrumental in localizing Islamic teachings through the production of religious texts in regional languages, the use of vernacular poetic forms, and the incorporation of indigenous cultural symbols. These strategies not only broadened access to Islamic knowledge but also stimulated the emergence of new literary genres, scripts, and modes of religious expression. At the same time, Sufi institutions and ruling elites developed a reciprocal relationship in which political patronage, including land endowments and institutional support, enabled Sufi networks to flourish, while Sufi legitimacy reinforced political authority and social stability. Beyond their spiritual functions, Sufi saints and their transregional networks actively promoted education, ethical norms, social justice, and intercommunal coexistence, frequently mediating between local communities and governing powers. Such interactions facilitated the formation of inclusive cultural identities, mitigated religious tensions, and contributed to the institutionalization of communal harmony across the region. Through a multidisciplinary analysis encompassing historical, literary, and sociopolitical perspectives, this study demonstrates that the vernacularization of Sufism and its entanglement with political power have left a lasting imprint on the pluralistic and dynamic character of Islam in South Asia.
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