Nityasumangali - Devadasi Tradition in South India

Bibliographic Details

Title: Nityasumangali: Devadasi Tradition in South India
Author: Saskia C. Kersenboom-Story
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Publication: 2002 reprint
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pagination: xxii + 226 pages
ISBN-10: 81-208-1527-0
ISBN-13: 978-81-208-1527-8

Description

Nityasumangali is a scholarly study of the devadasi tradition in South India, with particular attention to Tamil Nadu. Rather than approaching the tradition through later stereotypes, Saskia C. Kersenboom-Story examines its meaning and function within the ritual, artistic and social framework of Hindu culture.

The study traces the devadasi through different periods of South Indian cultural history and analyzes her role in temple ritual, courtly patronage and the performing arts. Its evidence is drawn from Sanskrit Agamas, Tamil and Telugu sources, inscriptions, ritual manuals, interviews with former devadasis and material from the traditional dance and musical repertoire.

The book also documents the rites of passage through which a woman became a devadasi, including dedication, marriage, artistic training and funeral honors. By combining textual research with fieldwork and performance knowledge, it offers an important interdisciplinary resource for the study of South Indian religion, women’s history, temple culture, dance and music.

Condition

This copy has been physically checked and is in excellent condition. It has been preserved on our shelves in a protective plastic cover. Please review the photographs for the condition of the actual copy being offered.

Contents

Preface
List of Abbreviations
Note on Transliteration and Transcription
Introduction

Chapter I: Devadasis in the Cultural History of South India
Chapter II: Function and Form of the Devadasi Tradition within Temple Ritual in Tamil Nadu
Chapter III: Rites of Passage of the Devadasis of Tamil Nadu
Conclusion
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index