Rethinking the Body in South Asian Traditions

This book explores cultural questions related to representations of the body in South Asian traditions, human perceptions and attitudes toward the body in religious and cultural contexts, and the processes of interpreting notions of the body in religious and literary texts. It examines insider- and outsider perspectives and issues related to the body from the 2nd century CE up to the present-day, using an interdisciplinary approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into profound cultural inquiries concerning representations of the body in South Asian traditions, exploring human perceptions and attitudes towards the body within religious and cultural contexts. It also examines the intricate processes of interpreting notions of the body in religious and literary texts. By employing an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing textual analysis, ideological analysis, anthropological analysis, and phenomenological analysis, the book offers a multi-faceted exploration of both insider and outsider perspectives, shedding light on issues related to the body from the 2nd century CE to the present day.

Chapters within the book assess diverse aspects of the body, including processes of embodiment and the mythologization of the divine body as well as the Othering of the human body, as revealed in the rich literatures and cultures of South Asia. Through these chapters, the book analyzes the powerful ideological discourse of mythologizing and othering the body, which holds the potential to empower or marginalize individuals across different levels of human existence.

This book provides a deep and insightful exploration into the study of religion and the body in South Asian literature, religion, and culture. It appeals to academics specializing in South Asian studies, South Asian religions, South Asian literatures, cultural studies, philosophy, and comparative literature. By unraveling the complexities of cultural representations of the body, this book offers valuable insights into the rich tapestry of South Asian traditions and their profound impact on human understanding and experience.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367545239