The Domain of Constant Excess

Rohan Bastin

ISBN 10: 1571812520 / ISBN 13: 9781571812520

Published by Berghahn Books, Incorporated, US, 2003

About this Item

The Sri Lankan ethnic conflict that has occurred largely between Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus is marked by a degree of religious tolerance that sees both communities worshiping together. This study describes one important site of such worship, the ancient Hindu temple complex of Munnesvaram. Standing adjacent to one of Sri Lanka's historical western ports, the fortunes of the Munnesvaram temples have waxed and waned through the years of turbulence, violence and social change that have been the country's lot since the advent of European colonialism in the Indian Ocean. Bastin recounts the story of these temples and analyses how the Hindu temple is reproduced as a center of worship amidst conflict and competition.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781571812520

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Domain of Constant Excess
• Publisher: Berghahn Books, Incorporated, US
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1571812520
• ISBN 13: 9781571812520
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 513 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The Sri Lankan ethnic conflict that has occurred largely between Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus is marked by a degree of religious tolerance that sees both communities worshiping together. This study describes one important site of such worship, the ancient Hindu temple complex of Munnesvaram. Standing adjacent to one of Sri Lanka's historical western ports, the fortunes of the Munnesvaram temples have waxed and waned through the years of turbulence, violence and social change that have been the country's lot since the advent of European colonialism in the Indian Ocean. Bastin recounts the story of these temples and analyses how the Hindu temple is reproduced as a center of worship amidst conflict and competition.

About the Author

Rohan Bastin is Head of the School of Anthropology, Archaeology & Sociology at James Cook University.