Ramayana and Mahabharata in the Western Deccan: Exploring Kingship and Religious Identity (c.4th–14th century)

Spanning a millennium from the 4th to the 14th century, this book explores the dynamic role of the Ramaya?a and the Mahabharata in shaping the political and socio-cultural landscape of the Deccan. Drawing on a wealth of epigraphic evidence, especially royal prasastis (eulogies), it reveals how ruling dynasties like the Kadambas and Hoysa?as strategically appropriated epic motifs, heroes, and narratives to craft ideologies of kingship and divine legitimacy. Far from being confined to the religious sphere, the epics were actively woven into the public and political discourse, influencing not just elites but various social groups across the region. This study probes how different communities engaged with these traditions, beyond worship, to express identity, authority, and aspiration. Notably, it traces a significant shift around the 10th century, when epic heroes such as Rama and Hanuman transitioned from royal exemplars to temple deities, marking an evolution in their cultural and symbolic significance. This work offers a compelling insight into the enduring power of epic traditions in South Indian history.

• Publication date: 16 June 2026
• Page count: 344
• Dimensions: Height 24 mm; Width 140 mm; Thickness 216 mm
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9780198939122