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Best books by Alf Hiltebeitel
23rd Sep 2025
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Alf Hiltebeitel is a renowned scholar and author whose extensive work has significantly shaped our understanding of Indian religions, mythology, and epics. From his groundbreaking explorations of the Mahabharata to his insightful analyses of ritual and performance, Hiltebeitel's books offer a rich and complex tapestry of insights for anyone interested in the subcontinent's cultural and spiritual landscape. Whether you're drawn to his meticulous scholarship, his engaging prose, or the sheer breadth of his intellectual curiosity, his bibliography presents a treasure trove of knowledge. Now, it's your turn to contribute to the conversation! We're launching this poll to discover which of Alf Hiltebeitel's remarkable works resonate most deeply with readers. Which book has challenged your perspectives, illuminated new pathways of understanding, or simply become a cherished companion? Cast your vote and share your personal favorites – we can't wait to see which of his influential books will emerge as the crowd's top choice!
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#2.
Dharma
2/15
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Alf Hiltebeitel's *Dharma* offers a groundbreaking exploration of this ancient Indian concept, presenting a fresh, nuanced perspective that transcends simplistic definitions. The work meticulously traces dharma's evolution across India's great spiritual traditions, from early Buddhist usages – where Hiltebeitel provides an original analysis of how the Buddhist canon brought forth diverse meanings – to its pivotal role in the Hindu tradition. The book notably posits the intriguing hypothesis that many Hindu law books flourished in the wake of Emperor Asoka's third-century BC decree making dharma a guiding principle, illustrating a profound cross-fertilization between traditions. Further insights are drawn from Hiltebeitel's deep expertise in the Sanskrit epics, showing how their narratives amplified new Brahmanical norms and illuminated the ethical dilemmas inherent in the concept.
Beyond its historical and textual analyses, *Dharma* profoundly examines the concept's practical and philosophical implications. A compelling chapter on the Life of the Buddha highlights how the Buddha framed dharma as a form of "civil discourse," challenging individuals to engage critically with ethical principles and spiritual values. Bringing the discussion firmly into the contemporary era, the closing chapters explore dharma's renewed significance in a globalized world, touching upon its diasporic impact, presence in American popular culture, implications for women, and ongoing questions for modern India. This comprehensive scope, coupled with Hiltebeitel's characteristic scholarly rigor, innovative hypotheses, and ability to connect complex ancient ideas to modern life, makes *Dharma* an indispensable contribution to the field and a cornerstone of his acclaimed bibliography, cementing its place as one of his best works for its breadth, originality, and profound insight.
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Is the Goddess a Feminist?: The Politics of South Asian Goddesses
***Is the Goddess a Feminist?: The Politics of South Asian Goddesses*** delves into one of the most compelling paradoxes within religious studies: the presence of powerful female deities in societies often marked by male supremacy. The volume directly addresses the question of whether the numerous goddesses of Hinduism and Buddhism—the largest extant collection of living goddesses globally—truly empower women or instead serve to reinforce patriarchal structures. Rather than focusing on individual deities, the book critically examines how these divine images, their textual representations, and historical interpretations function as symbols within society. It explores the tension between the formidable power attributed to these goddesses and the lived realities of women in India, alongside the nuanced perspectives of contemporary Indian women who find spiritual and social liberation in these figures. The collection also probes intricate topics such as the influence of male desire on the embodiment of female deities, the authority behind the interpretation of goddesses, and the theological and political implications of Western feminist appropriations of these South Asian traditions. While *Is the Goddess a Feminist?* is an edited collection, it stands as a significant contribution to the field that Alf Hiltebeitel has profoundly shaped and represents a key facet of his scholarly influence, warranting its inclusion on a list of his best works. Hiltebeitel, a preeminent scholar of Indian religions best known for his extensive work on the *Mahabharata*, comparative mythology, and the complexities of divine figures like Draupadi and Krishna, brings his characteristic rigor to this volume as its editor. His involvement ensures a sophisticated exploration of the interplay between ancient texts, modern interpretations, gender politics, and the lived experience of religion—themes that resonate deeply with his own research into the ambiguities and paradoxes inherent in Hindu traditions. The book reflects Hiltebeitel's commitment to critical inquiry into the social and psychological implications of religious symbols, making it an essential text for understanding the broader intellectual landscape he inhabits and influences, even if he is not the sole author of its contents.
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Dharma
Alf Hiltebeitel's *Dharma* offers a groundbreaking exploration of this ancient Indian concept, presenting a fresh, nuanced perspective that transcends simplistic definitions. The work meticulously traces dharma's evolution across India's great spiritual traditions, from early Buddhist usages – where Hiltebeitel provides an original analysis of how the Buddhist canon brought forth diverse meanings – to its pivotal role in the Hindu tradition. The book notably posits the intriguing hypothesis that many Hindu law books flourished in the wake of Emperor Asoka's third-century BC decree making dharma a guiding principle, illustrating a profound cross-fertilization between traditions. Further insights are drawn from Hiltebeitel's deep expertise in the Sanskrit epics, showing how their narratives amplified new Brahmanical norms and illuminated the ethical dilemmas inherent in the concept. Beyond its historical and textual analyses, *Dharma* profoundly examines the concept's practical and philosophical implications. A compelling chapter on the Life of the Buddha highlights how the Buddha framed dharma as a form of "civil discourse," challenging individuals to engage critically with ethical principles and spiritual values. Bringing the discussion firmly into the contemporary era, the closing chapters explore dharma's renewed significance in a globalized world, touching upon its diasporic impact, presence in American popular culture, implications for women, and ongoing questions for modern India. This comprehensive scope, coupled with Hiltebeitel's characteristic scholarly rigor, innovative hypotheses, and ability to connect complex ancient ideas to modern life, makes *Dharma* an indispensable contribution to the field and a cornerstone of his acclaimed bibliography, cementing its place as one of his best works for its breadth, originality, and profound insight.
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Rethinking the Mahabharata: A Reader's Guide to the Education of the Dharma King
*Rethinking the Mahabharata: A Reader's Guide to the Education of the Dharma King* offers a groundbreaking approach to one of the world's most complex and enigmatic texts, the ancient Indian Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. Long considered intriguing yet persistently misunderstood, the epic's intricacies have challenged generations of scholars. Renowned Indologist Alf Hiltebeitel presents a unique model for understanding its depths, drawing on a wide range of literary and narrative theory, coupled with extensive historical and comparative research. His central focus is the "education" of Yudhisthira, the Dharma King, demonstrating how the intricate relationships of this pivotal character—particularly with his author-grandfather Vyasa and his wife Draupadi—serve as a crucial thread guiding readers through the epic's labyrinthine narratives and embedded tales. Beyond its utility as a reader's guide, the book offers significant scholarly contributions, including a revisionist theory on the dating and production of the original text and its profound relation to the Vedas. This is not an ordinary introductory text; rather, it is a sophisticated exploration that promises to illuminate many persistent mysteries surrounding this masterpiece of world literature. As the fourth volume in Hiltebeitel's monumental study of the Draupadi cult—following *Mythologies: From Gingee to Kuruksetra* (Volume One), *On Hindu Ritual and the Goddess* (Volume Two), and *Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics* (Volume Three)—this book further solidifies his reputation as a leading authority on the Mahabharata and related Hindu traditions. *** **Why it belongs on the list "Best books by Alf Hiltebeitel":** *Rethinking the Mahabharata* unquestionably deserves its place among the "Best books by Alf Hiltebeitel" because it represents the culmination and core of his unparalleled scholarly contributions to Indology, particularly his life's work on the Mahabharata. Hiltebeitel is arguably the foremost living Western scholar of the Mahabharata and the Draupadi cult, and this volume is not merely another book but a deeply original "reader's guide" that showcases his distinctive methodology—integrating narrative theory, comparative mythology, and meticulous textual analysis. It provides the most accessible entry point into his complex, multi-volume re-evaluation of the epic, centering on the pivotal figure of Yudhisthira and offering fresh insights into the text's composition, dating, and enduring meaning. Its inclusion on a "best of" list is essential as it encapsulates the breadth, depth, and innovative spirit of Hiltebeitel's scholarship, making his formidable expertise approachable while still delivering profound academic rigor.
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The Cult of Draupadi, Volume 1: Mythologies: From Gingee to Kuruksetra
Alf Hiltebeitel's monumental *The Cult of Draupadi, Volume 1: Mythologies: From Gingee to Kuruksetra* stands as a cornerstone of his scholarly output and a landmark in the study of Indian religions, unequivocally earning its place on any list of his best works. This initial volume delves into the complex layers of myth and ritual surrounding Draupadi, the pivotal heroine of the Mahabharata epic, meticulously tracing her veneration from localized South Indian cults, particularly around Gingee, back to her epic portrayal in Kuruksetra. It showcases Hiltebeitel's unparalleled ability to bridge rigorous textual scholarship with meticulous ethnographic fieldwork, revealing how the epic's narratives are continuously reinterpreted and embodied in living traditions. What makes this volume indispensable for a "best books" list is its groundbreaking methodology and its profound implications for understanding the dynamic relationship between classical Sanskrit literature and vibrant folk traditions. Hiltebeitel's deep analysis of obscure cultic practices, regional myths, and oral narratives illuminates how a pan-Indian epic figure like Draupadi takes on distinct, powerful local identities as a goddess, challenging conventional views of epic transmission and reception. It is not merely a study of a deity but a comprehensive exploration of the very process of myth-making and religious evolution in India, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the depth and breadth of Hiltebeitel's transformative scholarship.
0%The Cult of Draupadi, Volume 2: On Hindu Ritual and the Goddess
As a pivotal component of Alf Hiltebeitel's monumental multi-volume study, *The Cult of Draupadi, Volume 2: On Hindu Ritual and the Goddess* deepens the exploration of one of Indian epic tradition's most compelling figures. This volume meticulously shifts focus from Draupadi's epic narrative roles to her vibrant existence as a living deity, particularly among various communities in South India. Through a blend of rigorous textual analysis of the *Mahabharata* and insightful ethnographic observation, Hiltebeitel masterfully unpacks the complex web of rituals, vows, and devotional practices that define her worship, revealing how the epic heroine transcends her literary origins to become a powerful focus of popular religion and ritual performance. For any list of Alf Hiltebeitel's best works, *Volume 2* is indispensable as it exemplifies the breadth and depth of his unparalleled scholarship. It showcases his signature interdisciplinary approach, seamlessly integrating philology, anthropology, and religious studies to offer a nuanced understanding of Hindu ritual and the evolution of epic characters into divine entities. This particular volume not only illuminates the enduring power of the Draupadi cult but also provides critical insights into the dynamic interplay between text, tradition, and living religious practice in India, making it a foundational text for scholars and an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the intricacies of Hindu devotional life.
0%The Ritual of Battle: Krishna in the Mahabharata
Central to Alf Hiltebeitel's monumental contributions to Indology, *The Ritual of Battle: Krishna in the Mahabharata* stands as a definitive exploration of his signature methodology and profound insights. Moving beyond conventional theological or strategic interpretations of Krishna's role, Hiltebeitel meticulously unpacks how the deity's actions throughout the epic are deeply embedded in and reflective of ancient Indian sacrificial and royal rituals. This seminal work showcases Hiltebeitel’s unparalleled ability to weave together intricate textual analysis of the Mahabharata with extensive insights from comparative mythology, anthropology, and his own profound knowledge of contemporary South Asian ritual practices, making it a quintessential representation of his unique scholarly approach. What elevates *The Ritual of Battle* to a cornerstone of Hiltebeitel's bibliography, and thus a must-have on any "best of" list, is its comprehensive scope and groundbreaking reinterpretation of one of the epic's most complex figures. He posits Krishna not merely as a divine charioteer or trickster, but as a personification of the very ritual logic that underpins the epic's narrative and ethical dilemmas, especially concerning kingship and sacrifice. Its meticulous argumentation and exhaustive research have profoundly influenced the fields of Indology, religious studies, and performance studies, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the multilayered meanings of the Mahabharata and the enduring power of ritual in shaping South Asian traditions. It perfectly encapsulates why Alf Hiltebeitel is considered a preeminent scholar of the Mahabharata.
0%Hair: Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures
While Alf Hiltebeitel is a distinguished scholar renowned for his profound contributions to the study of Indian religions, particularly the Mahabharata epic and Hindu mythology, the book titled *Hair: Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures* does not appear among his published works. Hiltebeitel's oeuvre is meticulously focused on dissecting complex mythological narratives, ritual practices, and the deep cultural implications within South Asian traditions, often through a comparative lens. A work solely dedicated to the broader symbolism of hair across diverse Asian cultures, while a fascinating topic, falls outside the precise thematic and geographical scope that defines his celebrated academic career. Therefore, this specific title would not be included on a list of Alf Hiltebeitel's best books, as it is not authored by him. Instead, a definitive list would feature seminal works like *The Cult of Draupadi* or *Rethinking the Mahabharata*, which exemplify his groundbreaking scholarship, meticulous textual analysis, and innovative theoretical approaches to understanding ancient Indian epics and their enduring significance. These true contributions showcase his unparalleled ability to blend philological rigor with anthropological insight, making them indispensable for anyone studying the religious and cultural history of India.
0%Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics: Draupadi among Rajputs, Muslims, and Dalits
Alf Hiltebeitel’s *Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics: Draupadi among Rajputs, Muslims, and Dalits* stands as a seminal work, showcasing his unparalleled depth of scholarship on the Mahabharata and its vibrant, multifaceted life beyond the Sanskrit text. This volume meticulously traces the character of Draupadi, not merely as a figure from the classical epic, but as a dynamic entity reinterpreted and revered within diverse regional and community traditions. Hiltebeitel masterfully combines rigorous textual analysis with extensive ethnographic fieldwork, revealing how oral narratives and local cults engage with, transform, and expand upon the canonical Sanskrit version of the epic. It is precisely this innovative methodology – marrying philological precision with a profound appreciation for lived religion and subaltern voices – that marks *Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics* as a prime example of Hiltebeitel’s best work. By demonstrating how communities like Rajputs, Muslims, and Dalits engage with and often appropriate Draupadi’s narrative, the book profoundly challenges monolithic interpretations of the *Mahabharata*. It unveils layers of meaning and devotion previously overlooked, asserting the vital role of oral traditions and local cults in shaping India’s epic consciousness. For its groundbreaking approach, meticulous research, and its illumination of the epic’s enduring relevance across social strata, this volume is undeniably a cornerstone of Hiltebeitel’s celebrated oeuvre and a must-read for scholars of South Asian religion and literature.
0%Criminal Gods and Demon Devotees: Essays on the Guardians of Popular Hinduism
Among Alf Hiltebeitel's seminal contributions to the study of Hindu traditions, *Criminal Gods and Demon Devotees: Essays on the Guardians of Popular Hinduism* is a cornerstone work that perfectly encapsulates the depth and distinctive methodology of his scholarship. This collection brings together pivotal essays that delve into the fascinating, often liminal, figures of village deities and their complex relationship with popular devotion, demonstrating how their worship intertwines with, and often reinterprets, classical Hindu traditions like the Mahabharata. It powerfully illustrates Hiltebeitel’s signature approach of bridging epic textual analysis with nuanced explorations of lived, rural religious practices, uncovering profound insights into the nature of power, sacrifice, and community. Its inclusion on any list of Alf Hiltebeitel's best books is justified by how profoundly it reshaped understanding of religious categories and practices, particularly challenging simplistic notions of "good" and "evil" or "high" and "low" traditions. Hiltebeitel's meticulous analysis of figures deemed 'criminal' or 'demonic' not only unearths hidden layers of meaning in Hindu myth and ritual but also highlights the dynamic and often subversive aspects of popular piety. As a rich tapestry of ethnographic detail, textual exegesis, and comparative insights, *Criminal Gods and Demon Devotees* remains an indispensable volume for both students and seasoned scholars, showcasing Hiltebeitel's unique ability to illuminate the vibrant, multifaceted nature of Hinduism.
0%Nonviolence in the Mahabharata: Siva's Summa on Rishidharma and the Gleaners of Kurukshetra
Alf Hiltebeitel's *Nonviolence in the Mahabharata: Siva's Summa on Rishidharma and the Gleaners of Kurukshetra* stands as a monumental work showcasing his unparalleled depth and innovative interpretive approach to the Indian epic. Far from merely recounting familiar narratives, Hiltebeitel delves into the complex, often paradoxical, role of nonviolence (*ahiṃsā*) within a text largely defined by monumental warfare. This volume distinguishes itself by meticulously unpacking the philosophical underpinnings of *rishidharma* (the dharma of sages), particularly as articulated through the nuanced perspectives attributed to the god Siva, challenging conventional readings of the epic's moral landscape and illuminating a vital yet frequently overlooked dimension. What solidifies this work's place among Hiltebeitel's best is its characteristic fusion of meticulous philological analysis with bold, anthropologically informed interpretation. He navigates the epic's vast tapestry with an eye for its subtle philosophical tensions and the voices often overshadowed by the martial heroes. The concept of "gleaners of Kurukshetra" aptly captures Hiltebeitel's own method: sifting through the aftermath and less prominent narratives to unearth profound insights into the epic's enduring ethical dilemmas. This book is not merely a commentary but a profound re-imagining of the Mahabharata's moral universe, affirming Hiltebeitel's reputation as a scholar who consistently reveals new depths in ancient texts.
0%When the Goddess Was a Woman: Mahabharata Ethnographies
Alf Hiltebeitel’s *When the Goddess Was a Woman: Mahabharata Ethnographies* stands as a cornerstone of his monumental scholarship and a prime example of why he is considered a preeminent voice in the study of Hindu traditions. This seminal work showcases Hiltebeitel's distinctive methodology, seamlessly weaving together rigorous philological analysis of the ancient *Mahabharata* epic with insightful ethnographic fieldwork. Rather than treating the epic as a static literary artifact, the book delves into its vibrant contemporary life, exploring how its characters, narratives, and ethical dilemmas are continually reinterpreted and enacted in living cults, rituals, and regional traditions across India. This innovative approach redefined the study of the *Mahabharata*, demonstrating its profound and evolving cultural impact. What makes *When the Goddess Was a Woman* particularly exemplary and deserving of a spot on any "best of" list is its detailed exploration of the gendered dimensions and subaltern voices within the epic tradition, particularly through his nuanced examination of the goddess cults associated with figures like Draupadi. Hiltebeitel meticulously unpacks how peripheral narratives and often overlooked local practices shed new light on the epic's core themes of dharma, kinship, and divine agency. This book not only profoundly influenced subsequent generations of scholars by demonstrating the necessity of integrating textual and lived traditions, but it also remains a testament to Hiltebeitel’s unparalleled ability to uncover the intricate layers of meaning embedded in one of the world’s most enduring narratives, solidifying its place as one of his absolute best.
0%Freud's India: Sigmund Freud and India's First Psychoanalyst Girindrasekhar Bose
Alf Hiltebeitel's *Freud's India: Sigmund Freud and India's First Psychoanalyst Girindrasekhar Bose* stands out as a compelling exploration of an overlooked intellectual exchange. This meticulously researched volume delves into the fascinating correspondence and theoretical developments between the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, and Girindrasekhar Bose, a pioneering Indian scholar who introduced psychoanalysis to the subcontinent. The book chronicles Bose's independent yet parallel advancements in psychological thought, his nuanced engagement with Freudian concepts, and the unique cultural interpretations that emerged from this cross-continental dialogue. While perhaps a departure from his seminal works on the Mahabharata and Hindu mythology, *Freud's India* nonetheless exemplifies Hiltebeitel's hallmark scholarly rigor and intellectual curiosity. It showcases his remarkable ability to trace complex intellectual histories and cross-cultural adaptations of ideas, making a significant contribution to the fields of both psychoanalysis and the history of science in India. The book's inclusion on a "best of" list is warranted not only for its groundbreaking subject matter but also for demonstrating Hiltebeitel's unparalleled skill in uncovering obscure yet pivotal dialogues that reshape our understanding of global intellectual currents.
0%Freud's Mahabharata
Alf Hiltebeitel's *Freud's Mahabharata* stands out as a singularly ambitious and insightful work, expertly applying the principles of psychoanalysis to the ancient Indian epic. Rather than offering a traditional scholarly commentary, Hiltebeitel masterfully reinterprets the central conflicts, character motivations, and recurring narrative patterns of the Mahabharata through a Freudian lens. This groundbreaking approach illuminates the deep psychological undercurrents of the Kuru family feud, the trauma of Draupadi's disrobing, and the complex ethical dilemmas faced by figures like Arjuna and Karna, revealing universal themes of guilt, envy, desire, and the unconscious forces driving human action within the epic's grand narrative. This innovative volume is a testament to Hiltebeitel's intellectual daring and his profound command of both Indology and critical theory, making it an essential inclusion on any list of his best works. It not only provides fresh, often provocative, readings of the epic's most enduring narratives but also exemplifies Hiltebeitel's signature ability to bridge seemingly disparate fields, enriching the study of the Mahabharata with a psychological depth rarely explored elsewhere. For its unique methodology, its capacity to unveil hidden dimensions of the epic, and its lasting influence on how scholars approach ancient texts, *Freud's Mahabharata* is unequivocally a seminal work and a highlight in Alf Hiltebeitel's distinguished bibliography.
0%World of Wonders: The Work of Adbhutarasa in the Mahabharata and the Harivamsa
Alf Hiltebeitel's *World of Wonders: The Work of Adbhutarasa in the Mahabharata and the Harivamsa* stands as a monumental achievement in epic studies, emblematic of his meticulous and transformative scholarship. In this seminal work, Hiltebeitel brilliantly recontextualizes *adbhutarasa* – the aesthetic sentiment of wonder or astonishment – arguing that it is not merely a transient emotional response within the *Mahabharata* and *Harivamsa*, but a fundamental structural and thematic principle. He demonstrates how inexplicable events, divine manifestations, and shocking revelations serve as crucial narrative devices, propelling the plot while simultaneously unveiling the profound philosophical and theological depths of these ancient Indian epics. This volume perfectly encapsulates Hiltebeitel's characteristic scholarly rigor and his unparalleled ability to unearth subtle yet profound layers of meaning in well-trodden texts. By focusing on *adbhutarasa*, he provides a unique lens through which to appreciate the epic's capacity for the marvelous and the terrifying, the divine and the human, all interwoven with a complex ritualistic and mythological tapestry. *World of Wonders* is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the intricate artistry of the *Mahabharata* and *Harivamsa*, and it undoubtedly belongs on a list of Alf Hiltebeitel's best works for its originality, its comprehensive analysis, and its enduring contribution to our understanding of India's epic traditions.
0%Dharma: Its Early History in Law, Religion, and Narrative
Alf Hiltebeitel's *Dharma: Its Early History in Law, Religion, and Narrative* stands as a quintessential work in his distinguished bibliography, directly addressing one of the most complex and foundational concepts of Indian thought. For a scholar deeply immersed in the nuances of the *Mahabharata* and classical Hindu traditions, this book offers a meticulous exploration of 'dharma' itself, providing the intellectual scaffolding for much of his groundbreaking interpretations. It showcases his characteristic interdisciplinary approach, weaving together insights from legal treatises, religious texts, and epic narratives to paint a comprehensive picture of how this concept evolved and functioned in early India. What elevates *Dharma* to a place among Hiltebeitel's best is its profound scholarly rigor and its capacity to unpack a concept often oversimplified in Western discourse. Through painstaking textual analysis and insightful argumentation, he demonstrates how dharma is not a static principle but a dynamic, multifaceted construct central to ancient Indian ethics, social organization, and cosmology. This book not only deepens our understanding of dharma as a concept but also illuminates the sophisticated interpretive framework Hiltebeitel applies to all his work, making it indispensable for anyone seeking to grasp the depth and interconnectedness of his contributions to the study of South Asian religious and literary history.
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