Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata Hindu Women in History, Text, and Practice

The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society.

Chapter 1: Introduction: Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata.- Chapter 2: Satyavati: Ferrier of the Family.- Chapter 3: Kunti: The Many Journeys of the Quintessential Mother.- Chapter 4: Draupadi: Fire-born Fierce Woman.- Chapter 5: Madhavi: Return to Self in Ancient and Modern Retellings.- Chapter 6: Damayanti’s Saga: Invisible Enemy and Search for Soul Mate.- Chapter 7: Savitri: The Timeless Traveler.- Chapter 8: Subhadra: Self-Sacrifice to Protection and Prosperity.- Chapter 9: Amba’s Journey Through Multiple Lives.- Chapter 10: Ganga: Personhood of the Personified Waters.- Chapter 11: Shakuntala: Lone Journeys Deep in the Forest.- Chapter 12: Urvashi: Celestial Woman and Earthly Heroes.- Chapter 13: Conclusion: Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata.

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA. Her publications include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama. Vemsani is President of the Ohio Academy of History. She is the Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and Associate Editor of Air Force Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Canadian Journal of History. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Research Award, and SACA/CASA Best Thesis Award.