1st Edition
Sun, Emperor and Pope Neoplatonic Solar Worship in Mughal India and Barberini Rome
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Note on Transliteration
Introduction
1. The Silent Thread
1.1. Great Tradition
1.2. Longue Durée
1.3. Sun Worship: The Julian Model
2. Solar Cult in Mughal India
2.1. Mughal Cosmology
2.2. Mughal Millenarianism
2.3. Mughal Antiquarianism
3. Solar Cult in Barberini Rome
3.1. Barberini Cosmology
3.2. Barberini Millenarianism
3.3. Barberini Antiquarianism
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Illustrations
Biography
Jos Gommans is Professor of Colonial and Global History at Leiden University, The Netherlands, where he specializes in medieval and early modern history of South Asia and its interconnections with Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. In this latest work, Gommans applies his expertise in comparative historical analysis to explore solar worship traditions, demonstrating his continued commitment to understanding the complex cultural and religious dynamics that have shaped civilizations across time and geography. His interdisciplinary approach and deep knowledge of both South Asian and European historical contexts make him uniquely positioned to examine the fascinating parallels between Mughal and Barberini solar cult practices.
“Gommans provides an intriguing view of a longue-durée development in global history in which three disparate civilization moments produce variations on a common theme of sovereignty. It is a fascinating study that situates the study of Mughal India, especially the influential reign of the emperor Akbar, in a global historical pattern.
The work is methodologically innovative and brings together insights from global history, art history, philosophy, and religious studies. It is a tour de force and a pleasure to read.”
— A. Azfar Moin, Author, University of Texas at Austin, USA
