King's Three Bodies: Essays on Kingship and Ritual

This collection of essays explores the rituals of kingship and royalty in India, Africa, and Europe from social anthropological and ethno-historical perspectives, comparing them across different regions and time periods. It discusses the entanglement of rituals with broader social, political, cultural, historical, religious, and economic contexts. Part I compares kingship among the Shilluks, Gajapatis, and Renaissance French kings, while Part II explores royal patronage of tribal and Hindu goddesses in Eastern India. Part III examines sleeping and dreaming kings and the power of dead kings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive collection of essays delves into the intricate rituals of kingship and royalty across India, Africa, and Europe, offering a multi-faceted social anthropological and ethno­historical perspective. It explores the profound interplay between the rituals performed for and by kings, encompassing individuals such as 'little kings' and 'jungle kings,' and the broader social, political, cultural, historical, religious, and economic contexts in which they were embedded. Part I of the book begins with a captivating triangular comparison of kingship among the Shilluks of East Africa, the Gajapatis of eastern India, and Renaissance France. The essay titled "The Kings Three Bodies" builds upon Ernst H. Kantorowicz's renowned study, "The Kings Two Bodies in Medieval Political Theology," by expanding its scope not only in terms of the number of bodies considered significant but also theoretically. Another noteworthy essay in this section examines the unexpected yet profound theoretical influence of social anthropological studies of acephalous, segmentary lineage societies in Africa on Indian historiography.

The second part of the volume consists of three chapters that delve into the royal patronage of tribal and Hindu goddesses in Eastern India, providing valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of these regions. Meanwhile, the third part presents studies on sleeping (and dreaming) kings and the power of dead kings, engaging in a thoughtful discussion of A.M. Hocart's assertion that the first kings must have been dead kings.

Throughout the collection, the essays employ a rich and analytical approach, drawing upon a wide range of sources and methodologies to shed light on the complex dynamics of kingship and royalty. The authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from anthropology, history, religious studies, and more, to provide a comprehensive understanding of these rituals and their significance within different cultural contexts.

This collection is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of kingship and royalty across different regions and historical periods. It offers a deep and nuanced perspective on these rituals, challenging traditional narratives and providing new insights into the complex interplay between power, culture, and society.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032000534