Special Topics in South Asia: Hindu-Muslim Literary Encounters

This class will highlight selected moments of literary exchange between Hindus and Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. We will focus on reading and contextualizing Sufi and Bhakti literature in translation (originally written in South Indian vernaculars, such as old Hindi; students with necessary language skills will have the chance to join readings of relevant texts in the original if desired). Readings will range from thirteenth century poems to contemporary Qawwali, Bhajan and film songs.