Sacrifice and Violence

Sacrifice and Violence by Marie Lecomte-Tilouine offers a deep examination of the complex relationship between ritual sacrifice, violence, and social order within Nepalese society. Based on extensive fieldwork and ethnographic research, the book explores the cultural and religious significance of sacrificial practices in Nepal and how these rituals reflect broader social tensions, political struggles, and historical transformations. Lecomte-Tilouine delves into how acts of sacrifice—whether animal or symbolic—have been historically used to affirm authority, assert power, and negotiate identity, particularly within the context of Hinduism and other local traditions in Nepal.

This book not only documents the rich tapestry of Nepal's cultural practices but also critically analyzes the interplay between violence and social cohesion, offering insights into how such acts shape communal relationships and influence political authority.

Why read this book

• Gain an in-depth understanding of Nepal’s cultural practices through detailed ethnographic research that captures the nuances of everyday life.
• Learn about the role of ritual sacrifice and its relationship to power dynamics and political authority in Nepalese society.
• Discover how local customs, religious beliefs, and historical contexts shape the practice of sacrifice in both symbolic and literal forms.
• Reflect on how violence, in its ritualistic form, functions as a tool for social cohesion and control, challenging conventional notions of nonviolence in religious contexts.
• Lecomte-Tilouine offers a rigorous academic approach that blends anthropology, history, and sociology to provide a multifaceted analysis of Nepalese society.

About the Author

Marie Lecomte-Tilouine is a renowned French anthropologist specializing in South Asian studies, particularly in Nepalese culture and society. With a focus on ritual practices, political anthropology, and the history of violence, her work sheds light on the intersection of religion, power, and social structure in the Himalayan region. Lecomte-Tilouine’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding of ritual sacrifice and its broader socio-political implications in Nepal, making her a leading voice in contemporary ethnographic studies on South Asia.