Hindu Theology in Early Modern South Asia

Abstract Focusing on the idea of genealogical affiliation (sampradāya), this book explores the interactions between royal power and priestly authority in eighteenth-century north India. Specifically, it examines how the religious policies of Jaisingh II (1688–1743) of Jaipur influenced the self-representation of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas, as articulated by Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa (c.1700–1793). Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas centred around the God Kṛṣṇa was initiated by Caitanya (1486–1533) and quickly became one of the most influential Hindu devotional movements in early modern South Asia. In the increasingly volatile late Mughal period, Jaisingh II tried to establish the legitimacy of his kingship by resorting to moral discourse. As a part of this strategy, he demanded that religious traditions in his kingdom conform to what he conceived of as Brahmanically normative. In this context the Gauḍīya school was forced to deal with their lack of clear genealogical affiliation, lack of an independent commentary on the Brahmasūtras, and their worship of Goddess Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, who, according to the Gauḍīya, were not married. Based on a study of Baladeva’s Brahmasūtra commentary, the book examines how the Gauḍīya responded to the king’s demand, and thereby contributes to (1) genealogical studies; (2) the study of early modern South Asia; (3) Purāṇic studies, and (4) the study of Hindu theology.