Culture and Power in Banaras: Community, Performance, and Environment, 1800-1980

This collection of essays explores everyday activities in Banaras, India, to understand shared values, identity formation, and community constructions. It examines performance genres, neighborhood, leisure, and work, linking these experiences to larger worlds. The essays embrace the diversity of Banaras and are of interest to scholars and students of South Asia and popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

This captivating collection of ten essays delves into the vibrant and diverse urban landscape of Banaras,one of India's largest metropolitan hubs situated in the eastern Gangetic Plain. Through a meticulous examination of everyday activities, these essays explore a rich tapestry of shared values, motivations, processes of identity formation, and self-conscious constructions of community.

Part One of the collection takes a closer look at the performance genres that have captivated audiences from across the city. The essays examine the ways in which these genres serve as powerful mediums for expressing cultural identities, fostering social connections, and promoting collective experiences. By exploring the diverse range of performances, from traditional music and dance to contemporary theater and film, the authors shed light on the ways in which Banaras' cultural heritage is intertwined with its urban fabric.

Part Two delves deeper into the intricate tapestry of Banaras' neighborhoods, leisure spaces, and workplaces. The essays examine the ways in which urban residents utilize a sense of identity to organize their activities and infuse meaning into their lives. The authors explore the role of social networks, cultural institutions, and community organizations in shaping individuals' experiences and creating a sense of belonging within the city. They also examine the challenges and opportunities that arise from the diverse social and economic backgrounds of Banaras' inhabitants.

Part Three of the collection establishes a broader context for understanding the experiences of Banaras by linking them to a series of larger worlds. The essays explore the impact of language movements, political protests, disease ecology, and regional environmental concerns on the city and its inhabitants. By examining these interconnections, the authors highlight the complex web of social, cultural, and environmental factors that shape Banaras' identity and influence its development.

Banaras is a multifaceted world, characterized by profound religious, caste, class, linguistic, and popular cultural differences. This collection embraces and celebrates those differences, showcasing the rich tapestry of voices and perspectives that contribute to its vibrant character. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students of South Asia, as well as for anyone interested in comparative discussions of popular culture.

This title is proudly part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, a testament to the publisher's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds in the field. Voices Revived leverages print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible to a wider audience. By resurrecting titles from UC Press' extensive backlist, which dates back to 1893, the program aims to revitalize the legacy of scholarly discourse and promote the voices of emerging scholars.

Originally published in 1989, this collection of essays stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and significance of Banaras as a cultural and urban hub. It offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants, shedding light on the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and individual agency. Through its insightful analysis and engaging narrative, this collection contributes to our understanding of the human experience in diverse urban contexts and serves as a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520359949