Tantric religion and social change

Abstract

During the period between the seventh and 11th centuries, several religious innovations occurred in Indic religions (which I refer to anachronistically as ‘Hinduism’). In particular, during this period, we see the rise of tantric traditions based on a new revelation of texts, some of whose followers regarded themselves as transcending the older revelation of the Veda. This article explores a period of rapid religious transformation that significantly influenced mainstream society and politics, raising serious concerns within the orthodox Brahminical order. Despite the swift pace of change, I argue that the concept of convergence offers a valuable lens through which to understand the evolving dynamics of the belief systems that followed.