Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata: Hindu Women in History, Text, and Practice

ISBN-13: 9783030731670 / Angielski / Miękka / 2022

Lavanya Vemsani

Opis

The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society.

Spis treści

Contents

Acknowledgments

Transcription Conventions

Abstracts

 

Chapter 1

Introduction: Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata

Chapter 2

Satyavati: Ferrier of the Family

Chapter 3

Kunti: The Many Journeys of the Quintessential Mother

Chapter 4

Draupadi: Fire-born Fierce Woman

Chapter 5

Madhavi: Return to Self in Ancient and Modern Retellings

Chapter 6

Damayanti’s Saga: Invisible Enemy and Search for Soul Mate

Chapter 7

Savitri: The Timeless Traveler

Chapter 8

Subhadra: Self-Sacrifice to Protection and Prosperity

Chapter 9

Amba’s Journey Through Multiple Lives

Chapter 10

Ganga: Personhood of the Personified Waters

Chapter 11

Shakuntala: Lone Journeys Deep in the Forest

Chapter 12

Urvashi: Celestial Woman and Earthly Heroes

Chapter 13

Conclusion: Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata

 

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

O autorze

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA. Her publications include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama. Vemsani is President of the Ohio Academy of History. She is the Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and Associate Editor of Air Force Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Canadian Journal of History. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Research Award, and SACA/CASA Best Thesis Award.

Blurb

The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society.

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA. Her publications include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama. Vemsani is President of the Ohio Academy of History. She is the Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and Associate Editor of Air Force Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Canadian Journal of History. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Research Award, and SACA/CASA Best Thesis Award.