Desk of a Valluvar
Lecture by Alexis Avdeeff (doctoral student, EHESS)
06 JULY 12
Alexis Avdeeff delivered a paper in the EFEO centre of Pondicherry.
Title: UNVEILING DESTINY, Soothsaying, speech and practice of secrecy among the Valluvar astrologers of Tamil Nadu
Summary: In Tamil Nadu, Valluvar astrologers are well known figures of rural society. They are recognised for their expertise in soothsaying. Their word is renowned for its accuracy, as well as their predictions are believed to be infallible. Nonetheless, like any seer, their speech is not free from ambiguity. Indeed, as pointed out by Jean-Pierre Vernant, the diviner conceals more than he reveals. Thus in this lecture, I propose to highlight the place of secrecy within the consultant-astrologer relationship established during the astrological consultation, and what it reveals about local representations of destiny.
lectures
Title: UNVEILING DESTINY, Soothsaying, speech and practice of secrecy among the Valluvar astrologers of Tamil Nadu
Summary: In Tamil Nadu, Valluvar astrologers are well known figures of rural society. They are recognised for their expertise in soothsaying. Their word is renowned for its accuracy, as well as their predictions are believed to be infallible. Nonetheless, like any seer, their speech is not free from ambiguity. Indeed, as pointed out by Jean-Pierre Vernant, the diviner conceals more than he reveals. Thus in this lecture, I propose to highlight the place of secrecy within the consultant-astrologer relationship established during the astrological consultation, and what it reveals about local representations of destiny.
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DECEMBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER AUGUST JULY JUNE APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY JANUARY 2011
2010
awards
concerts
conferences
departures
doctoral defences
exhibitions
lectures
our buildings
pattrika
publications
recruitment
scholarships
visitors
workshops