Title
The Goddesses Henchmen: Gender in Indian Hero Worship
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The Rajputs ruled the vast majority of the kingdoms that were joined together after Indian independence to form the state of Rajasthan, Land of Kings. An important part of Rajput religion is the worship of heroes who have died in battle. This practice has attained new significance in recent years, as rightwing Hindu activists have deployed narratives about heroism in Rajput wars with Muslim emperors. In this book, Lindsey Harlan explores the idea of the Rajput hero. She is particularly interested in the role played by gender in stories about heroes and in their worship. She looks at the differences between female and male storytellers, the relationships of the hero to the women in his tale, and the relationship of the hero to the goddess for whom he is both sacrifice and henchman. She obtains her materials from interviews with Rajput families and their servants, from songfests, from bystanders at shrines, from ritual specialists. Ultimately she shows how heroic traditions encapsulate and express ideals of perfection and masculinity, defined most visibly against the backdrop of domesticity and femininity. More broadly she argues that heroes reflect everchanging valuations of history, and serve as sources of inspiration for facing contemporary challenges (domestic, communal, national) and concerns about the future.
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has two hundred seventy-two pages. It's a paperback edition published by Oxford University Press.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are nine point two inches in height, five point nine eight inches in width, and nine point two five inches in length.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Lindsey Harlan. She explores themes of gender and heroism in Indian culture.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic studies? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic studies. It delves into complex themes of gender and hero worship in Indian history.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the genre of linguistics. It examines cultural narratives and gender roles through a linguistic lens.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of gender, heroism, and cultural identity. It discusses how these themes are represented in Rajput traditions.
- Q: Can this book be used for research on Indian culture? A: Yes, this book can be used for research on Indian culture. It provides insights into Rajput hero worship and gender dynamics.
- Q: How does the author gather information for this book? A: The author gathers information through interviews, songfests, and observations at shrines. This provides a rich, firsthand perspective.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book has a paperback binding. This makes it more accessible and lightweight for readers.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young adults? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for young adults. It offers a thoughtful exploration of gender and cultural narratives.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover.
- Q: Are there any special care instructions for this book? A: No special care instructions are needed for this book. Regular handling and storage practices apply.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. They will guide you through the process.
- Q: What topics are not covered in this book? A: The book does not cover contemporary political issues in depth. It focuses more on historical and cultural narratives.
- Q: Can I gift this book to someone interested in gender studies? A: Yes, this book is a great gift for someone interested in gender studies. It offers valuable insights into cultural practices.
- Q: Is this book recommended for casual reading? A: While the book is academically focused, it can still be enjoyable for casual readers interested in Indian culture.