ABSTRACT

The Vijayanagara Empire flourished in South India between 1336 and 1565. Conveying the depth and creativity of Hindu religious and literary expression during that time, Vijayanagara Voices explores some of the contributions made by poets, singer-saints, and philosophers. Through translations and discussions of their lives and times, Jackson presents the voices of these cultural figures and reflects on the concerns of their era, looking especially into the vivid images in their works and their legends. He examines how these images convey both spiritual insights and physical experiences with memorable candour. The studies also raise intriguing questions about the empire's origins and its response to Muslim invaders, its 'Hinduness', and reasons for its ultimate decline. Vijayanagara Voices is a book about patterns in history, literature and life in South India. By examining the culture's archetypal displays, by understanding the culture in its own terms, and by comparing associated images and ideas from other cultures, this book offers unique insights into a rich and influential period in Indian history.

chapter

Introduction

chapter 2|25 pages

Vidyaranya

Sage, Political Adviser, Music Theorist, Philosopher and Biographer

chapter 4|13 pages

The Goddess' Sword

Queen Ganga Devi's Rousing Story; and the Archetype

chapter 5|17 pages

Two Poets of the People

Shripadaraya and Atukuri Molla

chapter 7|22 pages

Krishnadevaraya in the Night Kitchen

Realizing his Power at the Peak of Chaos' Edge

chapter 9|20 pages

Poet

Kanakadasa's Eloquent Responses to Caste Prejudice 1

chapter 10|13 pages

Achyutaraya

The Coronation after the Coronation

chapter 11|34 pages

Conclusion

Bad Blood – Wounded Pride and Retaliations