Srīvaiṣṇavism in Dialogue, c. 1900: Alkondavilli Govindacharya as a Comparative Theologian

Abstract

The article “Srīvaiṣṇavism in Dialogue, c. 1900: Alkondavilli Govindacharya as a Comparative Theologian” by Francis X. Clooney, S. J. explores the intellectual contributions of Alkondavilli Govindacharya, a South Indian Śrīvaiṣṇava scholar who engaged Christian theology from within his tradition. The article highlights Govindacharya’s interpretive works on the Bhagavad Gītā and Drāviḍa saints, illustrating his method of comparative theology rooted in devotional Vedānta. Clooney situates his writings in early 20th-century religious discourse, noting his nuanced critique of Western misperceptions and his aspiration for universal spiritual understanding grounded in Śrīvaiṣṇava thought.