Over the course of my doctoral research during the past few years, I have accumulated many debts of gratitude. It is my pleasant duty to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped my in various ways.
My Doktormutter Prof. Dr. Gita Dharampal-Frick was both gracious and understanding on the one hand, and demanding of the highest standards of work on the other. She invested a lot of time and care in advising me, and her inputs were invaluable in helping me refine my arguments. My heartfelt gratitude is also due to Prof. Dr. Hans Harder, who very kindly agreed to act as my Second Examiner, despite his many commitments. His contribution to the academic life of the Südasien-Institut has been immense, and his enviable knowledge of South Asian literature as well as his intellectual enthusiasm is an inspiration to all of us. I particularly thank him for the suggestions he has made for the published version of my dissertation.