Religion is a complex phenomenon which pervades a vast range of human activities. In India; religion influences society in diverse ways. This book explores the religious practice of temple dancing in India; which formed an integral part of the ritual service to the gods and goddesses in various South Indian states. The culture of dedicating girls to temples is a common phenomenon in this country. These girls are referred to by different names in different areas of the country; such as Devadasi; Jogins; Matangis; Basvis; etc. which literally mean "female servant of the deity." The book is a comprehensive study of this pernicious practice of female exploitation in the name of religion and tradition. It traces the origin and spread of the Devadasi culture in India; particularly in the Deccan region; and evaluates the impact of reformative and rehabilitative measures taken by governmental and non-governmental organizations.
#1596971 in Books 2015-08-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.23 x .57 x 5.58l; .55 #File Name: 6167339546200 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Burgess brings Southeast Asian history to lifeBy Kent DavisThe title perfectly captures the reality of this ancient Khmer temple; perched atop a Dangrak Mountain cliff face in a remote corner of Cambodia. Despite its heavenly setting in the clouds disputes over temple control have ignited civil and military conflicts between the kingdoms of Cambodia and Thailand for more than a century. Burgess tracks the temple's twisting story; from obscure sacred origins to dramatic developments in our modern era.His investigation begins with the earliest inscriptions documenting the actions of Khmer Empire kings and temple visits by Hindu high priests of that era. Then the temple is lost to oblivion; vanishing from written records for centuries. In the 19th century French explorers bring the temple to Western awareness for the first time; with Burgess sharing personal insights from the first-hand experiences of Etienne Aymonier; Lunet de Lajonquiere and George Groslier (see In the Shadow of Angkor - Unknown Temples of Ancient Cambodia); all of whom faced a hostile environment with bandits; inclement weather; snakes; tigers and wild elephants to unlock the temple's secrets.In the 20th century his focus turns to shifting politics as France; Britain; Cambodia and Thailand struggle for control of vast regions of Southeast Asia; one of which includes the temple itself. As the Cold War grows the site becomes a military flashpoint that evolves into an international courtroom drama. Legal decisions are made but unrest continues.With an eye for detail Burgess blends journalistic discipline with true writing talent. The result here; as in his other books; is readable; captivating historical high adventure. No other publication gives readers such a clear view of Preah Vihear's meaning; past; present and future.The book features excellent graphic design; plenty of clear illustrations; and is printed on creamy soft stock giving readers all the pleasures and convenience of ink and paper.If you enjoy Cambodian and Thai history I also highly recommend Burgess's other books. His first non-fiction title; Stories in Stone: The Sdok Kok Thom Inscription and the Enigma of Khmer History; offers a detailed and personal exploration of another key temple. His first fiction novel; A Woman of Angkor; is a brilliant tale of the construction of Angkor Wat. This work is the most readable; entertaining and historically accurate tale of that era.
