Princely India Re-imagined : A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the Present

Aya, Ikegame

Princely India Re-imagined : A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the Present / Ikegame Aya - First edition. - Abingdon, Oxon ; New York : Routledge , 2012. - xvi, 212 p. : illustrations, maps, tables ; 24 cm.

Princely India Re-imagined: A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the Present is an interdisciplinary study that combines history and anthropology to examine the changing nature of kingship, political authority, and ritual in the former Princely State of Mysore. Aya Ikegame argues that although British colonial rule significantly reduced the political and economic power of the Mysore monarchy after 1831, royal authority continued to flourish through ceremonial practices, religious patronage, and public rituals. Drawing upon archival documents, fieldwork, and historical records, the book explores how the Mysore royal family adapted to colonial rule and later to democratic India. It examines topics such as palace culture, royal education, marriage alliances, religious ceremonies, the famous Dasara festival, and the continuing symbolic importance of the Maharaja in contemporary Karnataka. The study demonstrates how monarchy remained socially and culturally influential even after losing formal political authority. The book provides valuable insights into colonialism, state formation, ritual authority, and political legitimacy in South Asia. It is an important resource for students and researchers of history, anthropology, political science, South Asian studies, cultural studies, and sociology.

9780415554497


India—History—British occupation, 1765–1947.
Kingship—India.
Mysore (Princely State)—History—19th century.
Mysore (Princely State)—Kings and rulers.

954.87 AYA

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