The Archaeology of Sacred Spaces: The temple in western India, 2nd century BCE–8th century CE (Archaeology and Religion in South Asia)

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 1 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 List of figures 7 List of tables 8 Preface 9 Introduction 10 1. Monumental remains: defining sacred space 27 2. Sacred sites and settlement sites 63 3. Religious icons in Gujarat 101 4. Shared space and multiple affiliations 154 5. Religious processes, rituals and pilgrimage 188 6. Gujarat in context 219 Bibliography 235 Index 255 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.-- Monumental Remains : Defining Sacred Space -- Sacred Sites And Settlement Sites -- Religious Icons In Gujarat -- Shared Space And Multiple Affiliations -- Religious Processes, Rituals And Pilgrimage -- Gujarat In Context. Susan Verma Mishra And Himanshu Prabha Ray. Maps Included Are Historical In Nature And Do Not Indicate The International Boundary Of India--preliminary Page Ix (unnumbered). Includes Bibliographical References (pages 250-275) And Index. "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."-- Provided by publisher