Explore the captivating Indian performative art of Avadhana in this landmark study. Journey through centuries, from 10th-century South India to today, witnessing how practitioners showcase extraordinary cognitive skills, including heightened attention and memory. Hermina Cielas meticulously reconstructs Avadhana’s rich history and socio-cultural context using ancient literary and epigraphic sources. This book is essential for understanding India’s unique intellectual heritage and the evolution of performative arts. A must-read for cultural enthusiasts and scholars of Indian traditions.