New Books in Anthropology Caleb Simmons, "Singing the Goddess Into Place: Locality, Myth, and Social Change in Chamundi of the Hill, a Kannada Folk Ballad" (SUNY Press, 2022)
Aug 18, 2022
Caleb Simmons, an expert in folklore and narrative traditions, discusses how folk narratives in a Kannada folk ballad reflect local context and challenge social inequities. The podcast explores themes of locality, caste importance, social change advocacy, and the significance of myths in addressing broader societal issues.
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High and Low Aspects of Chamundi
- The Chamundi narrative includes "high" and "low" aspects, relating to moksha and worldly enjoyment.
- These aspects aren't value judgments but different ritual placements, with both being vital parts of the goddess tradition.
Ancient Blood Sacrifice
- Raj Balkaran suggests blood sacrifice traditions, linked to the mother goddess figure, may predate romanticized versions.
- People retain a cultural memory of these traditions, viewing them as powerful.
Brahminic Shift and Ritual Hierarchy
- The Chamundeshwari temple in Mysore didn't become Brahminic until the early 19th century.
- Different caste groups among the temple priests are assigned different ritual roles, creating a complex hierarchy tied to prestige.