Overview

This book aims to uncover Neoplatonism as an entangled global philosophy that has connected Europe with India for centuries. To demonstrate that argument, it delves into two notable instances ofsolar cults during the long sixteenth century. Both cases are examined through the lens of the longue-durée Great Tradition of Neoplatonism, taking off from the sun cult designed by the Roman Emperor Julian in the fourth century. The book also includes: Comprehensive analysis of solar worship traditions across cultures and civilizations Detailed examination of Mughal cosmology and millenarian beliefs in India In-depth study of Barberini solar cult practices in Renaissance Rome Comparative approach to understanding sun worship in different historical contexts Scholarly investigation of the longue durée of solar religious traditions By exploring the intriguing parallels between these coinciding solar cults, this book advocates a truly global intellectual history that transcends the conventional boundaries of world religions and civilizations. This title has been co-published with Manohar Publishers & Distributors. T&F does not sell or distribute the print editions in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bhutan.

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9781041281221

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Reviews

“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

Author Information

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.

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