Culture and Customs of Pakistan

This is an Introduction to life in Pakistan. Until now, in-depth cultural information on Pakistan for a western, English-speaking audience has been scarce. A predominantly Muslim country, formed in 1947 after the end of British rule in India, Pakistan has often been in the news for tensions with neighbouring India over nuclear capacity and security issues. This narrative account for general readers looks beyond the negative headlines, encapsulating the pluralistic traditions, such as religious practices, languages, and ethnic ties, that Pakistanis share with their neighbours. The author is a native of Pakistan and provides authoritative insight into many aspects of history and contemporary life. Readers will be exposed to a range of folk traditions that coexist with modern influences and globalisation. Descriptions of 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.

ISBN 031333126X   Volumes 1 ISBN13 9780313331268 (What's this?)   Weight (grammes) 499 Publisher ABC-CLIO   Published in Westport Imprint Greenwood Press   Series ISSN 1097-073 Format Hardback   Series title Culture & Customs of Asia Publication date 30 Dec 2005   Height (mm) 235 Library of Congress 2005029554   Width (mm) 155 DEWEY 306.095491   Spine width (mm) 22 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level General, Primary/Secondary education Pages 260

1		Introduction		1
2		Thoughts and religion		25
3		Literature and arts		47
4		Architecture and housing		77
5		Cuisine and traditional dress		109
6		Gender, courtship, and marriage		127
7		Festivals and leisure activities		151
8		Performing arts and film		167
9		Social customs and lifestyles		185