The focus of this conference is on the intersection between the religion of Vaishnavism–one of the two predominant forms of Hinduism–and the conventions of fine literature and aesthetic theory in Sanskrit and South Asian vernaculars.  There is a growing scholarly production concerning this intersection, mainly focused on the tradition following the Bengali cultural hero Chaitanya. However, the broader contours of the field in terms of the “Religion and Literature” approach have not been mapped. The intention behind organizing this conference is to do precisely that. Expert scholars attended to contribute in the field will be invited to attend to contribute their original research and insight. 

This conference is being organized in partnership with the Institute for Vaishnava Studies.