AAR Religion in Translation: Empire Inside Out

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Examining the interplay of religion, history, and literature through a case study of King Krsnadevaraya's celebrated Telugu poem Āmuktamālyada, Ilanit Loewy Shacham showcases the groundbreaking worldview that this often-overlooked poem embodies. Krsnadevaraya ruled over the Vijayanagara Empire during its heyday, and his monumental poem situates power and authority not in the imperial center, but in villages and temples at the empire's outskirts; not in the royal court, but in a religious community. This perspective challenges traditional literary and political histories of the king and his empire. The work reflects one of South Asia's most culturally complex periods, emphasizing rich religious, political, historical, and ethnographic details. Loewy Shacham analyzes the poem as a king's personal insights on empire, kingship, and individuality, suggesting one can transcend the institution of kingship. The text connects the imperial domain to village and temple settings, positioning the source of authority in the margins, where Srivaisnavism originated, thus giving the far Tamil south a central role in its imperial vision. Through close textual analysis and a diverse corpus of texts, the book illuminates a neglected piece of literature, rooted in the historical context of sixteenth-century Vijayanagara, while also addressing its relevance in constructing and sometimes rewriting history in contemporary times.