- 218 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Patterns of Kingship and Authority in Traditional Asia
About this book
There has been a tendency to neglect the political life of Asia, in favour of religious and aesthetic considerations. The myth of the 'changeless East' dies hard. Few people are aware that the earliest legislation for the rights of the common man go back to the Sumerians and that outlines for a social contract were drawn up by Indian Buddhists two thousand years before Locke and Rousseau.
First published in 1985, Patterns of Kingship and Authority in Traditional Asia provides an excellent survey of traditional Asian ideas of government, from the earliest kingdoms of the Sumerians and the Egyptians to the time when Western influence first made itself felt. Each chapter is written by a specialist on a particular country or region of Asia, who seeks to identify some of the essential features of its traditional royal or imperial authority. Particularly fascinating is the way in which traditional institutions continue to have a vital influence upon Asian countries.
The serious reader will obtain a clear outline of traditional Asian ideas and systems of government and will indirectly acquire a deeper understanding of other aspects of Asian civilisations.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Halftitle Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Original Title Page
- Original Copyright Page
- Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- 1 Introduction: The Comparative Study of Traditional Asian Political Institutions
- 2 Japanese Kingship
- 3 Traditional Kingship in China
- 4 From Village Elder to King: The Evolution of Kingship in Ancient and Early Mediaeval Korea
- 5 A Survey of the Background to the Variety of Political Traditions in South-East Asia
- 6 The Early Development of Kingship in Pre-Muslim India
- 7 Kingship in Islam: Islamic Universalism Through the Caliphate
- 8 Ancient Afro-Asian Kingship
- 9 Malay Kingship in a Burmese Perspective
- Select Bibliography
- Glossary
- The Contributors
- Index