This book discusses the multiple facets, dominant characteristics, and historical trajectories of religious traditions in pre-colonial south India. It explores how Hinduism, primarily the Brahmanical tradition, developed and reworked itself in the context of challenges posed by Buddhism and Jainism to become the dominant tradition and ideology in south Indian society and polity. Examining the linkages between religion and politics, the volume also investigates alternative vernacular traditions, rituals and practices, temple architecture, iconography and other representational art forms that evolved as symbols of power. A detailed introduction weaves together the different aspects and introduces new questions for further research.

This will interest scholars and students of ancient and early medieval Indian history particularly those concerned with South Indian history, religion, and culture.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements Introduction: The Making of a Religious Tradition, An Overview Section I: Puranic Religion and Bhakti 1. From Devotion and Dissent to Dominance: The Bhakti of the Tamil Alvar and Nayanar 2. Puranic Religion and Saiva Tradition 3. Sankara and Puranic Religion 4. Vaisnava Concepts in Early Tamil Nadu Section II: Canonical Traditions and Religious Communities 5. Patikam Patuvar: Ritual Singing as a Means of Communication in Early Medieval South India 6. Caste and Community: Oscillating Identities in Pre-modern South India 7. The Matha: Monachism as the Base of an Parallel Authority Structure Section III: Counter Traditions 8. Buddhism in South India: Patterns of Patronage 9. Jainism in South India: Tamil Nadu and Andhra and Karnataka 10. From Natural Caverns to Rock-cut and Structural Temples: The Changing Context of the Jaina Religious Tradition 11. The Bhakti Movement and Religious Conflict in Early Medieval Tamilakam Section IV: Temple as Metaphor 12. Symbol and Metaphor: Temple Architecture and Iconography 13. Iconographic Programme and Political Imagery in Early Medieval Tamilakam: The Ràjasimhesvara and the Ràjaràjesvara in Early Medieval South India 14. Bhagavata Scenes in Pallava and Cola Sculptures 15. Tanjàvur, The Ceremonial City 16. The Dravida Style of Architecture: A Historical Perspective Section V: The Ideology of Sovereignty 17. The Sovereignty of the Divine: The Vaisnava Pantheon and Temporal Power 18. Ideology and the State in Medieval South India