Title
The Neighborhood of Gods: The Sacred and the Visible at the Margins of Mumbai (South Asia Across the Disciplines),Used
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There are many holy cities in India, but Mumbai is not usually considered one of them. More popular images of the city capture the worlds collective imaginationas a Bollywood fantasia or a slumland dystopia. Yet for many, if not most, people who live in the city, the neighborhood streets are indeed shared with local gods and guardian spirits. In The Neighborhood of Gods, William Elison examines the link between territory and divinity in Indias most selfconsciously modern city. In this densely settled environment, space is scarce, and anxiety about housing is pervasive. Consecrating spacefirst with impromptu displays and then, eventually, with fullblown temples and official recognitionis one way of staking a claim. But how can a marginalized community make its gods visible, and therefore powerful, in the eyes of others?The Neighborhood of Gods explores this question, bringing an ethnographic lens to a range of visual and spatial practices: from the shrine construction that encroaches on downtown streets, to the tribal art practices of an indigenous group facing displacement, to the work of image production at two Bollywood film studios. A pioneering ethnography, this book offers a creative intervention in debates on postcolonial citizenship, urban geography, and visuality in the religions of India.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred thirty-six pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of Mumbai's spiritual landscape.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is paperback bound. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point ninety-eight inches by nine point zero two inches. Its slim design makes it convenient for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is William Elison. He offers a unique perspective on the intersection of territory and divinity.
- Q: What is the main genre of this book? A: This book falls under the category of ethnography. It provides in-depth insights into cultural practices.
- Q: How should I approach reading this book? A: You can read this book at your own pace. It's suitable for anyone interested in urban geography and religion.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in the subject? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It presents complex ideas in an accessible manner.
- Q: Can I gift this book to someone interested in Mumbai? A: Absolutely, this book makes a great gift for those interested in Mumbai's cultural and spiritual dynamics.
- Q: How do I keep this book in good condition? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: No, books generally do not come with warranties. However, check the return policy if you're unsatisfied.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Keep all packaging for reference.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for a school project? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for a school project. It offers valuable insights into postcolonial studies.
- Q: How does this book compare to other ethnographies? A: This book stands out by focusing on the urban environment of Mumbai. It's unique in its exploration of spirituality.
- Q: Is the content of this book sensitive or controversial? A: Yes, the content addresses sensitive topics regarding marginalization and spirituality. It encourages thoughtful discussion.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of urban geography, postcolonial citizenship, and visuality in Indian religions. It offers a rich ethnographic perspective.