Heitzman James. Gifts of Power: Lordship in an Early Indian State

Oxford University Press, 1997. — 293 p.This study of state formation, religious institutions, and the economy during the Chola period in South India (9th-13th centuries) uses locational and statistical methods to analyze the relationship between ritual and administration in a dynamic empire. James Heitzman's analysis of Chola kingship, politics, and presentation is a welcome addition to the growing literature on Pre colonial South Indian states that transcends disciplinary boundaries in addressing broad social issues with historical rigor. Written in a way to appeal to both South Asian specialists and non specialists. It is compelling and provocative and is thus bound to encourage future research.