Course Details

This course provides a glimpse into India’s wisdom literature by studying the ever-popular songs of its holy men (and a few women), the saints of the bhakti or devotional tradition. These songs are still sung in temples and village courtyards, and heard in movie soundtracks and on the classical concert stage. They are used not only in worship, but also in education, performing arts, and politics. We will read, listen to, and watch film versions of some of the most influential works of the Indian devotional tradition, studying how they are interpreted and mobilized in contemporary religion and politics.