Book Description

A Significant Feature Of This Volume Is The Critical Analysis Of Archaeological And Historical Sources Relating To The Specific Issues Of Cultural History With Special Reference To Andhra Region. Besides The Historical Sources, The Oral Traditions And Folkloristic Materials Provide Substantial Materials For The Better Understanding Of The Culture Of The People On Which Certain Historical Generalisation Can Be Made. Further, It Allows For A Range Of Historical Interpretations Especially Regarding The Legitimization Of Kingship And The Relationship Between Royalty, Rituals And Religion. This Volume Deals With The Different Aspects Of The Cultural History And Some Of The Topics Included Have Long Been The Subject Of Interest, Debate And Importance. It Throws A Fresh Light On The Tantric Goddesses, The Temples Constructed On The Essentials Of Tantrism And Tantric Practices In Every Day Life. The Religious Meanings And Symbolism Of The Iconographical Forms Of Ganesa And Vishnu In The Forms Of Panchanana Ganesa And Adivaraha Are Analysed. The Book Speaks Of The Seamy Side Of The Socio-Cultural Life Of The People Of Medieval Andhra, Throwing A New Light On Robbery And Alcoholism, Which Are Studied In Detail For The First Time. Contents Section I: Folklore And Psychohistory; Chapter 1: Psychohistorical Approach To Popular Child Rearing Practices In Andhra; Chapter 2: Beliefs, Attitudes And Values In Medieval Andhra: Gleanings Through Epigraphs; Chapter 3: Riddles And Proverbs As Sources Of The Social History Of Andhradesa; Chapter 4: Psychohistorical Analysis Of Curses And Folklore Traditions Of Medieval Andhradesa; Chapter 5: Psychoanalytical And Iconographical Perceptions Of Mother And Child; Section Ii: Tantrism-Tantra In Art, Architecture And Culture; Chapter 6: Iconography Of The Tantric Goddess Chinnamasta And Human Sacrifices; Chapter 7: Tantric Temples Of Sakti Deities In Modern Times; Chapter 8: Fresh Light On Certain Obscure Tantric Practices In Daily Life; Section Iii: Art And Iconography; Chapter 9: Panchanana Ganesa From British Museum: An Iconographical Study; Chapter 10: An Image Of Adi Varaha In The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; Chapter 11: Some Aspects Of Inscribed Jaina Images; Section Iv: Royalty, Women And Society; Chapter 12: Divine Kings And The Concept Of Kingship In Medieval South India; Chapter 13: Kings, Temples And Famines In Medieval Andhra; Chapter 14: Royality, Women, And Vratams In Medieval Andhra; Chapter 15: Robbery And Royalty In Medieval Andhra: Some Historical Insights; Chapter 16: Alcoholic Drinks In Medieval Andhra: Gleanings Through Literature; Chapter 17: Historical Insights Into Vegetation And Wildlife: Reconstruction Through Inscritions And Literature (17Th & 18Th Century Ad).