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Exploring medieval manuscripts, Gandhi's writings, and performances in multiple religious and non-religious contexts, Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat demonstrates how over five centuries, performers and audiences of devotional songs and hagiographic narratives associated with the saint-poet Narasinha Mehta have sculpted them into popular sources of moral inspiration. Taking Gandhi's use of these works in his social reconstruction programs as an example, the book suggests that when religious forms such as songs and hagiographies of saint-poets of South Asia acquire dimensions of popular culture, they offer a platform for communication among diverse groups.An illuminating study that provides a vivid picture of the Narasinha tradition, Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat will be a crucial resource for anyone seeking to understand the power of religious performative traditions in popular media.
This book investigates how the devotional songs and hagiographic narratives of the medieval saint-poet Narasinha Mehta have been transformed over five centuries into enduring sources of moral and social inspiration. Neelima Shukla-Bhatt, a scholar of South Asian religions, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that combines the analysis of medieval manuscripts with contemporary performance studies. By examining the intersection of religious tradition and popular culture, the author argues that these performative works serve as a vital platform for communication and social cohesion across diverse societal groups, notably exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi's integration of these songs into his social reconstruction programs.
What You Will Find
Scholars and students of South Asian religious history frequently cite this work for its rigorous integration of archival research and contemporary cultural analysis. Experts highlight the text as a significant contribution to understanding the longevity and adaptability of devotional traditions in modern society.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199976430
ISBN-13:
9780199976430
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