September 1: SSR Seminar, “Revivalism and Temple Architecture in South Asia, ca. 1750-1900”

The Penn State Society for the Study of Religion is hosting its first seminar this Thursday, Sept. 1, from 12:15-1:15 pm in 240 Borland! Professor Madhuri Desai will present “Revivalism and Temple Architecture in South Asia, ca. 1750-1900.” All are invited! Light refreshments will be served; a zoom link is available upon request (email tuh14@psu.edu). Please see the announcement and further description of the presentation below!

 

 

In the mid-eighteenth century, the hill-top temple complex at Ramtek in Central India, known popularly as the “gadh mandir,” was renovated by Raghuji Bhonsle I, founder of the Maratha kingdom of Nagpur. Originally stationed in the province of Berar as “sena-sahib subah” for the Maratha federation, Raghuji Bhonsle I acquired Nagpur through alliances with its Gond rulers (formerly Mughal vassals). The principal twelfth-century Yadava-period temples located on the hill were repaired, peripheral structures were refurbished and augmented, and the entire complex was enclosed within fortifications. In addition, the edges of the Ambala tank at the foot of the hill were stabilized and new temples were built along its bank, adding another visual layer to a complex political and religious palimpsest. These new temples were surmounted with archaic shikharas (towers) that were preceded by mandapas (ritual halls) supported on Mughal columns. In their quest to legitimate kingship, Raghuji I and his successors cultivated Ramtek as a pilgrimage destination. Maratha aspirations straddled a pre-Islamic past, while also staking a claim to a Mughal cultural sphere as evidenced by this delicate act of balancing sacred and historical memories at a site already rich in meanings and associations.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please save the date for these future events:

1. Sept. 22, 12:15-1:15 – Elizabeth Smith, “What Exactly is Dominican about the Dominican Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence?” Location: Weaver 102
2. Oct. 19, 12:15-1:15 – Vineeta Yadav, “Religious Parties and the Politics of Civil Liberties: Evidence from Muslim-Majority Countries.” Location: 240 Borland