The Tenth International Bhakti Conference volume explores how religion shaped early modern literary culture in north India, covering community formation, social embeddedness, ideology, and forms of expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

The volume, comprising eighteen papers by scholars from diverse regions, including North America, Western Europe, India, Japan, and East Central Europe, presents research findings from the Tenth International Bhakti Conference: Early Modern Literatures in North India, held at Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. The conference was organized into four sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of the relationship between religion and early modern literary culture in north India. The first section, "Community Formation," explores the role of religious communities in shaping literary practices and identities. The second section, "Social Embeddedness," examines the ways in which religion influenced social structures and interactions in early modern north India. The third section, "Ideology," investigates the religious beliefs and ideologies that shaped literary works and their reception. Finally, the fourth section, "Forms of Expression," explores the various literary genres and styles that emerged in early modern north India and the ways in which religion influenced their development. Through a diverse range of perspectives, the volume contributes to our understanding of how religion played a significant role in the formation of early modern literary culture in north India.

The Volume

The volume comprises eighteen papers by scholars from North America, Western Europe, India, Japan and East Central Europe presented at the Tenth International Bhakti Conference: Early Modern Literatures in North India at Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. Organised in four sections focusing on community formation, social embeddedness, ideology and forms of expression, the volume investigates from a diversity of perspectives how religion in general contributed to the formation of early modern literary culture in north India.

The Conference

The conference was organized into four sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of the relationship between religion and early modern literary culture in north India. The first section, "Community Formation," explores the role of religious communities in shaping literary practices and identities. The second section, "Social Embeddedness," examines the ways in which religion influenced social structures and interactions in early modern north India. The third section, "Ideology," investigates the religious beliefs and ideologies that shaped literary works and their reception. Finally, the fourth section, "Forms of Expression," explores the various literary genres and styles that emerged in early modern north India and the ways in which religion influenced their development.

The Papers

The papers presented at the conference cover a wide range of topics, including the role of religious institutions in shaping literary production, the influence of religious beliefs on literary themes and characters, the impact of religious practices on social relationships, and the ways in which religious texts and practices have been represented in literary works. Some of the key findings include the following:

• Religious institutions played a significant role in the production of early modern literature in north India. Many religious leaders and organizations sponsored literary works, and religious texts were often used as sources of inspiration for literary works.


• Religious beliefs and ideologies influenced literary themes and characters in a variety of ways. For example, Hinduism emphasized the importance of karma and reincarnation, while Islam emphasized the importance of submission to God and the Quran.


• Religious practices had a significant impact on social relationships in early modern north India. For example, religious festivals and rituals provided opportunities for social interaction and bonding, while religious practices such as fasting and prayer helped to promote mental and physical well-being.


• Religious texts and practices have been represented in literary works in a variety of ways. For example, religious stories and legends have been incorporated into literary works, and religious symbols and imagery have been used to convey religious messages and themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the volume presents a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the relationship between religion and early modern literary culture in north India. Through a diverse range of perspectives, the volume contributes to our understanding of how religion played a significant role in the formation of early modern literary culture in north India. The papers presented at the conference provide valuable insights into the various ways in which religion influenced literary practices and identities, social structures and interactions, and literary genres and styles. As we continue to explore the relationship between religion and literature, this volume will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 225 x 149 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788173049828