Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
Religious Studies
First Advisor's Name
Nathan Katz
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Terry Rey
Third Advisor's Name
Steven Heine
Date of Defense
7-21-2003
Abstract
Drawing on the ritual theory of “rebounding violence” as developed by Maurice Bloch, the contemporary anthropologist, the thesis examined some kingship rituals periodically observed in Nepal and highlighted their political implications. The study also made an assessment of the concept of “divine kingship” in orthodox “Hindu” tradition and traced connections between religion and politics.
In Nepal, kingship is taken as a symbol of sovereign power and national unity, and the king is often revered in public festivals as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, or as a representative of some other divinities such as Indra, Bhairava and the Buddha. The thesis explored such rituals, demystified the concept of “divine kingship,” and displayed through historical evidences how Nepali rulers have appropriated religious occasions for their own legitimacy.
Identifier
FI14060150
Recommended Citation
Chaulagain, Nawaraj, "Kingship, rituals, and power in Nepal" (2003). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2118.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2118
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