Buddhist-Inflected Sovereignties across the Indian Ocean: The Pali Arena, 1200-1550

During the first half of the second millennium AD, the Pali arena witnessed a diversity of arguments for and about sovereignty, influenced by Buddhist teachings. Anne M. Blackburn's Buddhist-Inflected Sovereignties across the Indian Ocean explores these arguments through case studies of Sri Lanka, Burma/Myanmar, and Thailand, highlighting the contested and evolving nature of sovereignty models. The book contributes to intellectual history, Buddhist studies, and historical studies of the Indian Ocean, offering insights into the relationships between textuality, sovereignty, maritime connectivity, and material culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press

Buddhist-Inflected Sovereignties across the Indian Ocean delves into the diverse, historically contingent, and sometimes conflicting arguments for and about sovereignty that unfolded in the Pali arena during the first half of the second millennium AD. This period marked a significant era of expanding interaction within the Indian Ocean, preceding the Portuguese colonial presence in Southern Asia. In this comprehensive study, Anne M. Blackburn examines sovereign arguments expressed through textual sources as well as in the built environment by individuals interested in the teachings and institutions associated with Gotama Buddha. Through a series of case studies, Blackburn explores the territories now encompassed by the nation-states of Sri Lanka, Burma/Myanmar, and Thailand, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of Buddhist-inflected sovereignty during this time.

What emerges from these cases is a clear realization that no single model of Buddhist-inflected sovereignty dominated the Pali arena during this period. Rather, there was a dynamic accumulation of possible models and pathways for argumentation about how sovereigns could and should relate to the Buddha-sāsana. Arguments for and about sovereignty in the Pali arena were contested and rapidly evolving, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources transmitted through multiple forms and media. As the Indian Ocean continued to shape the flow of people, objects, and ideas, an increasing number of peoples and territories participated in the Pali arena, drawn by its intellectual and aesthetic resources.

Anne M. Blackburn's work is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of sovereignty, textuality, maritime connectivity, and material culture in premodern South Asia. Drawing on extensive scholarship and a wide array of multilingual source materials, Blackburn offers innovative conclusions that challenge traditional narratives and shed new light on the complex relationships between these factors. The book contributes simultaneously to several fields of study, including history, religion, cultural studies, and anthropology. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which sovereignty was conceptualized and practiced in the Pali world, and how it interacted with broader social, political, and economic dynamics.

In conclusion, Buddhist-Inflected Sovereignties across the Indian Ocean is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and politics of premodern South Asia. Through its comprehensive analysis and innovative approach, Blackburn offers a fresh perspective on the complex web of relationships that shaped the region during this pivotal period. The book's insights will be of great value to scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the rich and multifaceted history of the Indian Ocean and its impact on the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780824894887