The central theme of the symposium was elaborated upon according to various religions; periods and areas; such as North India (historical) by H. Kulke; A. Wink; J. C. Heesterman and H. T. Bakker; South India (historical) by D. Shulman; B. Stein and G. Berkemer; contemporary India by C.J. Fuller; L.P. van den Bosch and J. P. Parry; Sri Lanka by G. Obeyesekere; the Byzantine Empire by A. N. Palmer; the Moroccan Sultanate by H. Beck; and the European Middle Ages by M. Gosman. This systematic approach focusing on a well-defined theme in a widely differentiated context appears to be fruitful. An often little recognized; though essential; universal aspect of important places of pilgrimage is their embedment in political ramifications. Analysis of religious structures and representations which are concentrated and reified in sacred centres; shows remarkable agreement and linkage with political institutions and ideology through a common symbolism. The contributions to the symposium establish that sacred centres are the places par excellence where political authority is legitimized; they help to articulate these systematic aspects by making them the focus of scholarly discourse starting from different disciplines.
#6904306 in Books 2005-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.58 x 1.68 x 6.74l; 2.68 #File Name: 9004148396582 pages
Review
