Spring 2010

SAN 330 • The Suparnadhyaya

Course Description

This course will study the Suparnadhyaya, a late Vedic poem that tells the story of Suparna or Garuda, the eagle that became the mount of Vishnu. It will emphasize the historical transition from Vedic to Epic poetic composition and the problems of textual corruption and restoration. It will also study other versions of the Suparna tale in the Mahabharata and the Brihaddevata, and the possible ancestor of the story in the Rigveda.

Grading Policy

Two exams each 25% Class recitation 50%

Texts

Edition based on Jarl Charpentier, Die Suparnasage Additional selections from the Rigveda, the Brihaddevata, and the Mahabharata.

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