The Rajasthani Bhasha Academy, in association with Maharaja Mansingh Pustak Prakash, Mehrangarh, supported by the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford, presents a four-day workshop titled Yoga, Kingship and Power: Between Rule and Renunciation at the historic Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, from 5th–8th January 2026.

This workshop takes a deep dive into the long 18th century in North India and specifically Rajasthan, and looks at how ideals of asceticism shape those of kingship. How was kingship related to the ideal of a rajyogi? And how were ascetic communities— such as the Naths, the Ramanandis and the Gosains, involved in the acquisition and maintenance of royal power?

We will study various texts from these communities and connect them to political and cultural landscape in Jodhpur in this period— including Maharaja Mansingh’s ascension to power, the creation of the world’s largest collection of yoga manuscripts and the building of Mahamandir.

Focus Texts:

•⁠ ⁠जोग प्रदीपिका / Joga Pradīpikā
•⁠ ⁠नाथ चंद्रिका / Nātha Candrikā
•⁠ ⁠मानसिंघजी री ख्यात / Mānasiṃghajī rī Khyāta
•⁠ ⁠अनूप प्रकाश / Anūpa Prakāśa

Faculty:

•⁠ ⁠Prof. James Mallinson (University of Oxford)
•⁠ ⁠Mahendra Singh Tanwar (Maharaja Mansingh Pustak Prakash)
•⁠ ⁠Prof. William Pinch (Wesleyan University)
•⁠ ⁠Prof. Dalpat Rajpurohit (University of Texas at Austin)

Registration Charges:

• Students and faculty of Indian institutions: ₹5000
• Students and members of the University of Oxford: ₹5000
• All other participants: ₹8000.

Avail an early bird discount of ₹1000 on registrations using the code “WINTER26”. Code only valid until 20th October.

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Please note: Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

For any queries, feel free to contact us at [email protected]