Hinduism in Middle India: Narasimha, The Lord of the Middle

by Lavanya Vemsani

Overview

Narasimha is one of the least studied major deities of Hinduism. Furthermore, there are limited studies of the history, thought, and literature of middle India. Lavanya Vemsani redresses this by exploring a range of primary sources, including classical Sanskrit texts (puranas and epics), and regional accounts (sthalapuranas), which include texts, artistic compositions, and oral folk stories in the regional languages of Telugu, Oriya, and Kannada. She also examines the historical context as well as contemporary practice.

Moving beyond the stereotypical classifications applied to sources of Hinduism, this unique study dedicates chapters to each region of middle India bringing together literary, religious, and cultural practices to comprehensively understand the religion of Middle India (Madhya Desha). Incorporating lived religion and textual data, this book offers a rich contribution to Hindu studies and Indian studies in general, and Vaishnava Studies and regional Hinduism in particular.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350138537
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	10/06/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA and Honorary Visiting Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. Her books include Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata (2021); Hinduism in Text and Context (2018); Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture (2016); and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama (2006). She is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and associate editor of both the Canadian Journal of History and the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs.
Lavanya Vemsani is Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Shawnee State University, USA.

Lavanya Vemsani is professor of history at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH.

Table of Contents

List of Images
Acknowledgements
Transliteration Conventions
Introduction: Narsimha, The Lord of the Middle in Middle India
1. Classical Sources of Narasimha: Symbolism of the Middle
2. Historical Narasimha from Prehistory to Present
3. Narasimha in Middle India: From Rigveda to Oggukatha
4. Lakshmi in the Classical and Regional Mythology of Narasimha: Gender and Family
5. Narasimha in the Eastern Region: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
6. Narasimha in the Central Region: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana
7. Narasimha in the Western Region: Maharashtra and Karnataka
8. Narasimha in Popular Culture, Performing Arts, and Devotional Practice
Conclusion: Narasimha in Totality
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Hinduism in Middle India is a commendable contribution to the study of Hinduism and regional religious dynamics. Vemsani's painstaking research, coupled with her engaging narrative style, makes the book an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike. By unraveling the layers of Middle Indian Hinduism through the lens of Narasimha, Vemsani provides a nuanced and insightful exploration of the intricate interplay between religion, culture, and history in this vibrant region.” —Reading Religion

“Hinduism in Middle India is a most valuable and original contribution. It is the first comprehensive examination of the classical Sanskrit texts and practices, as well as the textual and regional traditions, associated with Narasimha, one of the major deities of Hinduism.” —Sushil Mittal, Professor of Hindu Religion, James Madison University, USA

From the Publisher