The Archaeology of Sacred Spaces: The temple in western India, 2nd century BCE–8th century CE

Description

This volume focuses on the religious shrine in western India as an institution of cultural integration in the period spanning 200 BCE to 800 CE. It presents an analysis of religious architecture at multiple levels, both temporal and spatial, and distinguishes it as a ritual instrument that integrates individuals and communities into a cultural fabric. The work shows how these structures emphasise on communication with a host of audiences such as the lay worshipper, the ritual specialist, the royalty and the elite as well as the artisan and the sculptor. It also examines religious imagery, inscriptions, traditional lore and Sanskrit literature. The book will be of special interest to researchers and scholars of ancient Indian history, Hinduism, religious studies, architecture and South Asian studies. Cover Title Copyright Contents List of figures List of tables Preface Introduction 1. Monumental remains: defining sacred space 2. Sacred sites and settlement sites 3. Religious icons in Gujarat 4. Shared space and multiple affiliations 5. Religious processes, rituals and pilgrimage 6. Gujarat in context Bibliography Index