Many researchers have explored the impact of British and French Orientalism in the reinterpretations of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Less noticed; however; and infrequently discussed is the impact of Portuguese colonialists and missionaries upon Buddhist communities in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries across Asia. Stephen C. Berkwitz addresses this theme by examining five poetic works by Alagiyavanna Mukaveti (b.1552); a renowned Sinhala poet who participated directly in the convergence of local and trans-local cultures in early modern Sri Lanka. Berkwitz follows the written works of the poet from his position in the court of a Sinhala king; through the cultural upheavals of warfare and the expansion of colonial rule; and finally to his eventual conversion to Catholicism and employment under the Portuguese Crown. In so doing; Berkwitz explores the transformations in religion and literature rendered by what was arguably the earliest sustained encounter between Asian Buddhists and European colonialists in world history. Alagiyavanna's poetic works give expression to both a discourse of nostalgia for the local religious and cultural order in the late sixteenth century; and a discourse of cultural assimilation with the new colonial order during its ascendancy in the early seventeenth century. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that combines Buddhist Studies; History; Literary Criticism; and Postcolonial Studies; this book yields important insights into how the colonial experience contributed to the transformation of Buddhist culture in early modernity.
#705920 in Books Hoyland Robert G 2014-11-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.40 x 1.10 x 9.30l; #File Name: 0199916365320 pagesIn God s Path The Arab Conquests and the Creation of an Islamic Empire
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. The role of religion is never dismissed or downplayed but is held in a perspective so that the events can be more easily understBy Bruce McClellandThis well written and extremely insightful book deserves a wide readership. It places the Arab conquests in a historical context second to none and provides a clear and concise description of the peoples and events that transpired. It fills an information void with regard to the Late Antique world as seen from the Arab side. The conquests and aftermaths are shown in human terms rather than from a strictly religious point of view. The role of religion is never dismissed or downplayed but is held in a perspective so that the events can be more easily understood in human terms. This is especially gratifying for those of us that are well versed in Byzantine and Persian history. Those tumultuous times can now be more readily viewed and understood on their own terms. There is something to be said for a balanced multi-perspective presentation and 'In God's Path' does just that-admirably so. The events may have occurred a long time ago but the repercussions are as recent as today's headlines. This should be a 'must read' book especially for Westerners that have a poor understanding of the histories of South West Asia in general and the Arabs in particular.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent introductionBy lecAlthough relatively short; this book provides an excellent short history of the early expansion of the Arab/Muslim Empire. The author makes a number of valuable insights into the emergence of the Umayyad and Abassid empires. His use of available sources is admirable; and his conclusions flow logically from his sourcing. This is the sort of work that can create a lot of argument among specialists; but provides a much more nuanced picture of early Islamic history. Very recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Illuminating Study of Early Muslim ConquestsBy Howard R. SeccombeA widely shared impression is that; immediately on conversion to Islam; Arabs swept across the Persian and Roman empires; wielding the sword as alien invaders. This study demonstrates that most elements in this story are false or at best simplifications. The Arabs in the heartland of Islam were partly Romanised; familiar with military service. People other than Arabs joined the conquerors; who also fought each other and used negotiation as well as violence in their conquests; which took place over an extended period.
