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.
Autorentext
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.
Inhalt
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