The Archaeology Of Hindu Ritual – Michael Willis
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF HINDU RITUAL: Michael Willis; Cambridge University Press, 4381/4, Ansari Road, New Delhi-110002. Rs. 795.
About the Book:
“The Archaeology of Hindu Ritual” provides a fresh analysis of the Hindu Rituals drawing conclusions and references from modern theoretical framework and in the age-old Hindu texts. Comprehensive annotations & references enhance the scholarly value of the book.
Teaser from Cambridge University Press Listing:
In this groundbreaking study, Michael Willis examines how the gods of early Hinduism came to be established in temples, how their cults were organized, and how the ruling elite supported their worship. Examining the emergence of these key historical developments in the fourth and fifth centuries, Willis combines Sanskrit textual evidence with archaeological data from inscriptions, sculptures, temples, and sacred sites. The centre-piece of this study is Udayagiri in central India, the only surviving imperial site of the Gupta dynasty. Through a judicious use of landscape archaeology and archaeo-astronomy, Willis reconstructs how Udayagiri was connected to the Festival of the Rainy Season and the Royal Consecration. Under Gupta patronage, these rituals were integrated into the cult of Vishnu, a deity regarded as the source of creation and of cosmic time. As special devotees of Vishnu, the Gupta kings used Udayagiri to advertise their unique devotional relationship with him. Through his meticulous study of the site, its sculptures and its inscriptions, Willis shows how the Guptas presented themselves as universal sovereigns and how they advanced new systems of religious patronage that shaped the world of medieval India.
Contents
1. The archaeology and politics of time at Udayagiri
2. The establishment of the gods
3. Ritual action and ritual actors.
About Dr. Michael Willis:
Dr Michael Willis has curatorial charge of the early south Asian and Himalayan collections from the late centuries BCE to the circa fourteenth century CE. He conducts research on these collections and makes them available through publication, display and study-access. His special interests include Sanskrit, Tibetan and the history of south Asian religions.
Reviews of “The Archaeology of Hindu Ritual”:
“Epigraphical study on Hindu rites” – T. SATYAMURTHY, The Hindu
Nice dispatch and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you seeking your information.