Polemics and Patronage in the City of Victory

Discover the intricate dynamics of religious patronage and identity in Valerie Stoker's enlightening book, Polemics and Patronage in the City of Victory. Published by the University of California Press in 2016, this compelling work spans 230 pages and delves into the patronage activities of India's Vijayanagara Empire, which thrived from approximately 1346 to 1565. Stoker expertly examines how these selective patronage practices influenced the development of Hindu sectarian identities, focusing on the influential career of the Hindu intellectual and monastic leader, Vyasatirtha. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in Asian history, religion, and the complex interplay between power and belief systems. Enhance your understanding of this pivotal era and its lasting impact on Hindu traditions by adding this insightful title to your collection.