Crossing the lines of caste : Visvamitra and the construction of Brahmin power in Hindu mythology
Sathaye, Adheesh A.Author
In Hindu mythology one notable figure named Viśvāmitra is said to have transformed himself from a king into a Brahmin sage by amassing great ascetic power, or tapas. This book examines the rich mosaic of legends about Visvamitra that are found across the Hindu mythological tradition and offers a comprehensive historical analysis of how the 'storyworlds' conjured up through these various tellings have, time and again, served to adapt, upgrade, and reinforce the social identity of real-world Brahmin communities, from the ancient Vedic past up to the hypermodern present.
Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph
Includes bibliographical references and index.
In Hindu mythology one notable figure named Viśvāmitra is said to have transformed himself from a king into a Brahmin sage by amassing great ascetic power, or tapas. This book examines the rich mosaic of legends about Visvamitra that are found across the Hindu mythological tradition and offers a comprehensive historical analysis of how the 'storyworlds' conjured up through these various tellings have, time and again, served to adapt, upgrade, and reinforce the social identity of real-world Brahmin communities, from the ancient Vedic past up to the hypermodern present.
Description based on online resource; title from home page (viewed on April 28, 2015).
Viâsvåamitra (Hindu mythology)
Caste
Religion
Philosophy & Religion
Hinduism