Publisher's Synopsis
This volume brings together scholars from a range of academic specializations to study a crucial element of Indian culture-the Hindu temple. Highlighting the importance of cultural politics, patronage, and ritual practice, this volume provides an appraisal of temple and religious life in the past through a variety of perspectives such as art history, archaeology, anthropology, political history. Divided into two sections, the first deals with the archaeology of the temple. It includes not just religious structures and standing monuments but also an analysis of the location of the religious architecture within the social domain. The second section discusses texts connected with asceticism and Bhakti traditions. It also explores the interaction between the religious architecture and the diverse interest groups like the worshippers, ritual specialists, patrons, and artisans.
