The rise of Mahāsena [electronic resource] : the transformation of Skanda-Karttikeya in North India from the Kuṣāṇa to Gupta empires / by Richard D. Mann.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mann, Richard D.

Series:

Brill's Indological library ; v. 39.

Brill's Indological library, 0925-2916 ; v. 39

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Kārttikeya (Hindu deity)--Cult--India, North--History.

Kārttikeya (Hindu deity).

Hinduism--India, North--History.

Hinduism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 p.)

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book studies the early development of Skanda-Kārttikeya’s Hindu cult from its earliest textual and material sources to the end of the Gupta Empire in the north of India. The text argues that Skanda’s early ‘popular’ cult is found in Graha and Mātṛ traditions oriented towards appeasing potentially dangerous spirits. Once propitiated, however, Skanda and his Grahas/ Mātṛs could become fierce protectors of their followers. During the Kuṣāṇa and Gupta empires, this tradition gains the attention of rulers, who transform the deity’s protective cult into one focused on the ruler’s military prowess and right to rule. Once detached from his former popular traditions the deity’s cult begins to falter in the north as it becomes increasingly focused on elite agendas.

Contents:

Preliminary Material

Introduction

Theories Related to the Origins of Skanda

The Early Traditions of Skanda-Kārttikeya from Epic, Medical and Ritual Sources

The Emergence of the Senāpati: The Narrative Conversion of the Warrior and Graha

The Birth of Skanda-Kārttikeya in the Śalyaparvan, Anuśāsanaparvan and Rāmāyaṇa

Coins, Statuary and Skanda-Kārttikeya: The Earliest Depictions

Skanda-Kārttikeya on Kuṣāṇa Coinage and Gandhāra Statuary

Developments in Skanda-Kārttikeya’s Cult between the Empires

The Kumārasaṃbhava and Purāṇic Accounts of Skanda-Kārttikeya

The Material Culture of Skanda-Kārttikeya in the Gupta Empire

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Plates.

Notes:

Revision of the author's Ph. D. dissertation.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-35684-8

9786613356840

90-04-21886-6

OCLC:

811606097

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004218864 DOI