Urban Histories of Rajasthan: Religion, Politics and Society (1550 -1800)

This book explores the histories of urban communities in the three cities of Ajmer, Nagaur and Pushkar in Rajasthan, between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Gingko Library

Descriptions in literature of premodern Indian cities have included a diverse range of people found in the streets and markets, evoking a sense of wealth and abundance and connecting to regional and global networks of trade and production. However, these descriptions also raise questions about how the residents lived together and negotiated their differences. Which differences mattered, when, and to whom? How did state actions and policies affect urban society and the lives of various communities? How and why did conflict occur in urban spaces?

In exploring these questions, this book delves into the histories of urban communities in the three cities of Ajmer, Nagaur, and Pushkar in Rajasthan, spanning the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. The focus of this study lies in examining everyday life and contextualizing religious practices and conflicts by considering patterns of patronage and taking a broader view of conflict within society. A variety of archival documents, including family and institutional records, as well as state registers, are analyzed to uncover the intricate and sometimes conflicting ways religion intersected with the political, economic, and social realms.

The findings from this study demonstrate the complex and multifaceted nature of religion's influence on urban spaces and society in precolonial Rajasthan. Negotiations and shared norms played a significant role in shaping patronage patterns and processes, allowing many of them to persist, albeit in altered forms. The robustness of these structures contributed to the resilience of urban spaces and society, as they facilitated cooperation and collaboration among different groups and individuals.

This book offers valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of premodern Indian cities, shedding light on the complex interplay between religion, politics, and society in this period. It provides a rich source of information for scholars and researchers interested in the history of India, urbanization, and religious practices, and contributes to our understanding of the broader historical context in which these cities operated.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909942660