The extraordinary power and solidity of regional ethno-nationalist identities such as the Tamil in South Asia continue to defy easy explanations. In this work; Ravi Vaithees; departing sharply from conventional 'secular' accounts; examines the deeper religious roots of Tamil/Dravidian identity formation and its relationship to broader processes of nationality formation in South Asia.Through a close and innovative reading of the life and career of Maraimalai Adigal (1876-1950); who played a central role in consolidating the intellectual and cultural foundation for non-Brahmin Tamil nationalism and the Dravidian movement; the author presents interesting insights into the history of the neo-Saivite revival.The neo-Saivite articulation of non-Brahmin Tamil nationalism endowed it with a critical spirit that not only eschewed the philosophical idealism found in Brahmanism and neo-Vedantic thought but also celebrated the more firmly grounded; earthy; and sensuous Tamil tradition reflected in ancient Tamil and Bhakti poetry and Tamil Saiva Siddhanta. This has been brought forth by drawing from a range of influences including colonial and Christian missionary critiques of Brahminism and neo-Vedantic currents.
#814737 in Books 2016-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.40 x .70 x 9.10l; .0 #File Name: 0199374384400 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Textbook!By perfectblueskiesThis book is well balanced; has yet to show bias; and is accurate. Chapters are easy to read and organized for easy learning and retention.
