In this groundbreaking study; Michael Willis examines how the gods of early Hinduism came to be established in temples; how their cults were organized; and how the ruling elite supported their worship. Examining the emergence of these key historical developments in the fourth and fifth centuries; Willis combines Sanskrit textual evidence with archaeological data from inscriptions; sculptures; temples; and sacred sites. The centre-piece of this study is Udayagiri in central India; the only surviving imperial site of the Gupta dynasty. Through a judicious use of landscape archaeology and archaeo-astronomy; Willis reconstructs how Udayagiri was connected to the Festival of the Rainy Season and the Royal Consecration. Under Gupta patronage; these rituals were integrated into the cult of Vishnu; a deity regarded as the source of creation and of cosmic time. As special devotees of Vishnu; the Gupta kings used Udayagiri to advertise their unique devotional relationship with him. Through his meticulous study of the site; its sculptures and its inscriptions; Willis shows how the Guptas presented themselves as universal sovereigns and how they advanced new systems of religious patronage that shaped the world of medieval India.
#34807 in Books DUTTON 2017-05-02 2017-05-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.31 x 1.10 x 6.25l; #File Name: 1101985879352 pagesDUTTON
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. and wit to offer each of us a lifeline to recognizing where we are #asleep and to ways we can be better people with each otherBy Leona George-DavidsonI am grateful for the authentic (and hilariously awkward!) way W. Kamau Bell shares his experience; perspective; and wit to offer each of us a lifeline to recognizing where we are #asleep and to ways we can be better people with each other. I want more! p.s. I love his self proclamation of being a "blerd" - read the book to find out more!5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. He's so smart. And so funny. And will make you laugh and squirm and think.By Susan ItoW. Kamau Bell is one of this country's funniest and most intelligent; nuanced thinkers (and now writers!) on race. You may know him from the W. Kamau Bell Curve; Totally Biased; and now CNN's United Shades of America. He makes his viewers (and now his readers) think hard; feel uncomfortable and then laugh their faces off. While learning important stuff. Now he's put it all down in this book. I was inspired reading about his parents (HOW DID HE GET LIKE THIS?) especially his mom; the brilliant Janet Cheatham Bell and other behind-the-scenes stories. As usual; he's hilarious and also heartbreaking in illuminating the everyday racism of this country. He's not afraid to show all the things HE's learned about along the way; (*cough* sexism) which makes this even that much more appealing. Bravo; Kamau!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... book as soon as it came and I really like everything WBy April LemeshI did get a chance to read this book as soon as it came and I really like everything W. Kamau Bell said. He did a great deal of work trying to become a stand-up comedian and he is one now. From watching his CNN TV show for the last two summers I can tell what a wonderful man he is and he can get along with anybody. Not many can say that.
