Discover the compelling story of the Ad Dharm movement in Punjab, a revolutionary challenge to India’s rigid caste system. Authored by Mark Juergensmeyer, ‘Religious Rebels in the Punjab’ delves into the origins of Ad Dharm, founded by Mangoo Ram in the 1920s, which boldly declared itself a distinct religion, separate from Hinduism and Sikhism. This essential read, based on extensive field research and interviews with Dalit leaders, chronicles the movement’s history and its intricate connections with various socio-political and religious organizations, including Arya Samaj, Ambedkar, Dalit Panther, Christianity, Marxism, and modern secularism. Explore how ‘untouchables’ forged their own path to dignity and equality.