Development and Growth of Tantric Religion in Mithila
Summary
This study examines the rise of the Tantric religion in Mithilā and argues that Tantrism dominated medieval Hinduism in eastern India. It points out that in Tantric literature the word 'tantra' connotes a comprehensive treatise or encyclopedia covering disciplines such as yoga, ritual, mantra and secular law. The author surveys texts, inscriptions and epistolary sources to trace how Tantric beliefs spread in Mithilā. He notes that this region nurtured a distinctive synthesis of Brahmanical, Buddhist and tribal practices, with local deities assimilated into the Tantric pantheon. The paper contends that Tantric manuals were not merely esoteric ritual guides but also contained instructions on medicine, administration and social conduct. By analysing rituals such as initiation and the worship of Śakti, the study shows how Tantrism affected the social structure, giving prominence to yogins and women and challenging caste hierarchies. The author stresses that letters, contracts and royal charters from Mithilā have been neglected, even though they reveal how Tantric ideas shaped politics and everyday life. He concludes that the Tantric movement in Mithilā was characterised by adaptability and syncretism and that it played a central role in the region’s cultural renaissance.
AI-generated summary, automatically checked against the article text.
Conclusion
By drawing on epistolary and textual evidence, the article shows that Tantrism was not a fringe cult but a driving force in the religious and social life of Mithilā. Tantric manuals served as encyclopedias of knowledge and facilitated the synthesis of local and pan‑Indian traditions. The adaptability of Tantric practices allowed them to flourish across social strata, leaving a lasting legacy on the region’s culture and governance.