
Sun, Emperor and Pope
Neoplatonic Solar Worship in Mughal India and Barberini Rome
Jos Gommans(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 12. March 2026
Book
Hardback
126 pages
978-1-041-28122-1 (ISBN)
Description
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-duree 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 duree 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.
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 duree 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.
Reviews / Votes
"Gommans provides an intriguing view of a longue-duree 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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Academic, General, and Postgraduate
Illustrations
16 farbige Abbildungen, 16 Farbfotos bzw. farbige Rasterbilder
16 Halftones, color; 16 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
326 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-28122-1 (9781041281221)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2026
Routledge
€60.49
Available for download

E-Book
03/2026
Routledge
€60.49
Available for download
Person
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.
Content
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Note on Transliteration
Introduction
1. The Silent Thread
1.1. Great Tradition
1.2. Longue Duree
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
Acknowledgements
Note on Transliteration
Introduction
1. The Silent Thread
1.1. Great Tradition
1.2. Longue Duree
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