Spaces and Places in Western India: Formations and Delineations

Description

This book studies places and spaces in Western India both as geographical locations and as imagined constructs. It uncovers the rich history of the region from the perspective of places of pilgrimage, commerce, community, expression and indigeneity. The volume examines how spaces are intrinsically connected to the lived experiences of people. It explores how spaces in Western India have been constructed over time and how these are reflected in both historical and contemporary settings – in the art, architecture, political movements and in identity formation. The rich examples explored in this volume include sites of Bhakti and Sufi literature, Maharashtrian-Sikh identity, Mahanubhav pilgrimage, monetary practices of the Peshwas and the internet as an emancipatory space for the Dalit youth in Maharashtra. The chapters in this book establish and affirm the forever evolving cultural topography of Western India. Taking a multidimensional approach, this book widens the scope of academic discussions on the theme of space and place. It will be useful for scholars and researchers of history, cultural studies, geography, the humanities, city studies and sociology. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents List of figures List of contributors Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction: location, expositions and synthesis in the region PART I: Urban, rural and indigenous spaces in Maharashtrian politics and environment 1 The aftermath of placeless space: mapped, delimited, bifurcated, merged: a phenomenon of Dewas S. and Dewas J 2 The spatial analysis of the transition of the land revenue system in Western India (1761–1836), with special reference to Indapur Pargana 3 Creating spaces for indigeneity from Nizam’s Hyderabad state to Maharashtra 4 Internet as an emancipatory space: case study of Dalits in Maharashtra PART II: Constructing space and place: material culture and public spaces 5 Place, space and money in Maharashtra, c. 1750–1850: some insights 6 Architectural continuity across political ruptures: early Marathas and the Deccan sultanates 7 Blurred lines: historical knowledge and the politics of statues 8 Karle/Ekvira: many places over time, and at once PART III: Religious spaces and places in Western India 9 The significance of place in early Mahānubhāv literature 10 Seven Sufi brothers: dargah vernacular narratives and Konkani Sufi-Muslims 11 Emplacing holiness: the local religiosity between Vaishnavas, Sufis and demons 12 Dakhani Sikh identity and the religious space(s) in Nanded (Maharashtra) Appendices Index