Remembering Ramanand: Caste and History in Gangetic India
Keywords:
Ramanand, Vaishnavism, caste, Ramanandi, Bhakti movement, colonial India, religious history, guru parampara, Ramanuja, hagiographyAbstract
The article Remembering Ramanand Caste and History in Gangetic India explores the legacy of the 14th-century spiritual reformer Ramanand, whose teachings significantly influenced the Vaishnava tradition in North India. It examines the underrepresentation of Ramanand in English-language scholarship and reflects on the contested historical and theological narratives surrounding his life. By analyzing the reinvention of Ramanand's image during early 20th-century colonial debates and religious reforms, the article highlights the shifting perspectives on caste, religious hierarchy, and monastic authority within the Ramanandi community. Drawing on both Western and Indian interpretations, the author underscores the political and devotional implications of memory construction and guru lineage in shaping Vaishnava identity.
