Hasina is the concept of

sanctity Sacred describes something that is dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity; is considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspires awe or reverence among believers. The property is often ascribed to objects (a ...

and imbued authority in the traditional culture of

Madagascar Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country that includes the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, it is the world's List of islands by area, f ...

. It is a spiritual quality that was the essence of social and political organization against the forces of disorder and wilderness, and evolved into the concept of kingship. An individual is believed to be imbued with ''hasina'', which can be augmented or diminished by their actions or by the tribute or authority conceded to them by others. Rulers in traditional society were the ultimate embodiment of ''hasina'', whereas community leaders and heads of families possessed relatively less. The same term, ''hasina'', was used to describe tributes given to political leaders, which in the 19th century

Kingdom of Imerina The Kingdom of Merina, also known as the Kingdom of Madagascar and officially the Kingdom of Imerina (; –1897), was a pre-colonial state off the coast of Southeast Africa that, by the 18th century, dominated most of what is now Madagascar. ...

typically took the form of a silver coin and accompanying prayer.Hasina in Madagascar
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References

Culture of Madagascar {{Madagascar-stub