Bhakti Beyond the Forest

This collection explores devotional traditions in early modern North India, highlighting the impact of Hindu, Jain, and syncretistic practices as discussed in Bhakti Beyond the Forest.

In Bhakti Beyond the Forest, the authors delve into the rich tapestry of Hindu, Jain, and syncretistic Hindu-Muslim devotional traditions that flourished between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. This volume presents a collection of eighteen scholarly papers that trace the historical antecedents of these spiritual practices, offering insights into their evolution and enduring impact. Each contribution reflects a careful examination of how these traditions have shaped the cultural landscape of North India, as well as their broader implications in the context of early modern literary culture.

The papers are organized into four distinct sections, each focusing on critical themes: community formation, social embeddedness, ideology, and forms of expression. Scholars from diverse backgrounds, including North America, Western Europe, India, Japan, and East Central Europe, share their findings from the Tenth International Bhakti Conference held at Sapientia Hungarian University in Romania. This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the complex interplay between religion and literature during this period.

Bhakti Beyond the Forest not only highlights the devotional practices of the time but also invites readers to consider the ways in which these traditions contributed to the formation of identity and community in early modern North India. Through a variety of perspectives, the volume serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in the intersections of religion, literature, and cultural history.