Dear Friends and Scholars,

I would like to announce the publication of my book, Śambūka and the Rāmāyaṇa Tradition: A History of Motifs and Motives in South Asia, as part of the Anthem Press World Epic and Romance Series. The hardcover and ebook versions are available directly from Anthem or from online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Description

This book details the developmental history of narratives that affirm, condemn, modify, or ignore the controversial execution of Śambūka, a minor Rāmāyaṇa character of low social standing. Changing socio-political sentiments throughout Indian history have forced numerous revisions to the Śambūka story, placing it in an underappreciated position of influence.

Contents

Foreword (by Paula Richman): Śambūka’s Story across Time and India’s Regions

1. Introduction: Śambūka’s Death Toll

2. Śambūka’s Earliest Death

3. First Responders

4. The Uttararāmacarita and Śambūka’s Purpose in Death

5. The Accident or the Execution

6. Śambūka Lives on Ramtek Hill

7. The Anti-Caste Revolutionary

8. Śambūka in the Twenty-First Century

9. Conclusion: Śambūka and the Rāmāyaṇa Tradition

With best wishes,

Aaron