Sakti in Indian Archaeology, Art, Literature and Philosophy (Proceedings of the Seminar Organized by Sathaye College, Mumbai)

This is a volume comprising of selected papers presented in National Seminar on 'Shakti in Indian Art, Archaeology, Philosophy and Literature'. The volume touches various areas of knowledge as the title suggests. Scholars who have contributed to the book are from various fields like Archaeology, Art, Numismatics, Hindustani Art Music, Cultural Anthropology, Literature, Political science and Philosophy. The book takes the cross section of the cultural reflections of the concept of 'Shakti'. Various forms and aspects of 'Shakti' are discussed by scholarly community compiled in the form of this volume. There total 26 papers contributed by scholars coming from various parts of Indian Subcontinent.

Kavita S. Rege (MSc. Ph. D.) Principal, Sathaye College, Mumbai Though her basic training is in the field of Chemistry, she has keen interest in cultural studies. She has been instrumental in starting various courses related to Indian Culture. Kavita S. Rege is member of various national and international committees. Recently she was invited to Israel as a member of Panel to initiate cultural interaction with special reference to Education.

Suraj A. Pandit (M. A., Ph.D) Head, Department of Ancient Indian Culture, Sathaye College He is internationally read author who has more than 22 papers and 3 reference books to his name. His core interest areas are Archaeology, Buddhist Studies and Art History.

Sunita D. Jeswani (M.A., M. Phil.) Head, Dept. of Philosophy, Sathaye College Sunita Jeswani is practising Yoga teacher for more than a decade. She has varied interests in the field of Psychology, Philosophy and Cultural Studies. She is an independent researcher who has been studying Yoga - practice and Philosophy.

Radha M. Sabnis (M. A., M. Phil.) Asst. Prof., Dept. of Ancient Indian Culture, Sathaye College She is upcoming researcher in the field of cultural studies who has a few publications to her name. She is working presently on research projects on 'Cultural Study of Manuscripts' at Asiatic Society of Mumbai.

"Śakti" is a source of creation, symbol of sustenance and force of destruction. It got represented as energy, consciousness and woman during the course of the evolution of ideas and culture. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism have their own interpretations and representations of 'Sakti'.

Worship of fertility goddess was prevalent worldwide among prehistoric people. Through the ages, she evolved with different names and forms. In Indian culture, woman is considered as an epitome of 'Sakti. Indian philosophy and literature help us to understand evolution of the 'Sakti'; and Archaeology helps us for the better understanding of her visual depictions in art and rituals associated with her cult.

**Contents and Sample Pages**