
Hinduism and Hierarchy in Bali
Leo Howe(Author)
James Currey (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 1. February 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-85255-919-2 (ISBN)
Description
The book looks at how conflict and competition between various forms of Hinduism undermines and sustains relations of hierarchy.
In the context of Dutch colonialism, world war, the incorporation of Bali into the Indonesian state and the tourist boom, this book examines the complex relationships between the changing nature and continuing relevance of Balinese hierarchy, the neo-Hindu reforms of Balinese religion, and the impact these have had on new forms of identity.
Since at least the 1920s commoners and other intellectuals and reformers have sought ways to challenge Balinesecaste hierarchy, both through egalitarian re-interpretations of Balinese institutions and through changing religious ideas and practices. State initiatives to transform 'traditional' Balinese religion into monotheistic and more 'authentic' form of Hinduism have precipitated the appearance of many indigenous new religious movements and the importation from India of devotional forms of Hinduism (Sai Baba and Hare Krishna), which has created a vastly more intricate religious landscape. These various forms of Hinduism, and the conflict and competition between, both undermine and sustain relations of hierarchy.
Through historically informed, ethnographic analyses of status competition, caste conflict, ritual inflation, religious innovation, and the cultural politics of identity this book, written in an accessible style, makes a major contribution to our understanding of modern Balinese society and its future development.
Series editors: Wendy James & N.J. Allen
In the context of Dutch colonialism, world war, the incorporation of Bali into the Indonesian state and the tourist boom, this book examines the complex relationships between the changing nature and continuing relevance of Balinese hierarchy, the neo-Hindu reforms of Balinese religion, and the impact these have had on new forms of identity.
Since at least the 1920s commoners and other intellectuals and reformers have sought ways to challenge Balinesecaste hierarchy, both through egalitarian re-interpretations of Balinese institutions and through changing religious ideas and practices. State initiatives to transform 'traditional' Balinese religion into monotheistic and more 'authentic' form of Hinduism have precipitated the appearance of many indigenous new religious movements and the importation from India of devotional forms of Hinduism (Sai Baba and Hare Krishna), which has created a vastly more intricate religious landscape. These various forms of Hinduism, and the conflict and competition between, both undermine and sustain relations of hierarchy.
Through historically informed, ethnographic analyses of status competition, caste conflict, ritual inflation, religious innovation, and the cultural politics of identity this book, written in an accessible style, makes a major contribution to our understanding of modern Balinese society and its future development.
Series editors: Wendy James & N.J. Allen
Reviews / Votes
This is an important book with a clear (and classic) theme. It describes extremely well the different forms of Hinduism in Bali, and the connections and tensions between them... likely to be seen as a landmark in anthropological studies of Bali... - -- David Gellner, Brunel UniversityMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
17 b/w, 5 line illus.
Dimensions
Height: 241 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
376 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-85255-919-2 (9780852559192)
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

Leo Howe
Hinduism and Hierarchy in Bali
Book
02/2002
James Currey
€100.47
Article exhausted; check different version
Person
Leo Howe
Content
Bali's recent political history - The inflation of titles & the search for origins - The politics of 'caste': hierarchy & equality in conflict - Language, ritual & hierarchy - Kings & priests in Bali: hierarchy, centrality & change - Religion, culture & identity in the Indonesian state - Sai Baba in Bali: identity & the politics of religious truth - Hare Krishna in Bali: mad for God - Conclusion - Bibliography