Unveiling Destiny: Soothsaying, speech and practice of secrecy among the Valluvar astrologers of Tamil Nadu
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.
Speaker
Alexis Avdeeff, Doctoral student, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), France
Organisers
Department of Social Sciences, French Institute of Pondicherry.
Venue
Social Sciences Main room, French Institute of Pondicherry, 11, Saint Louis Street, Pondicherry - 605 001.