Hinduism Modernity - Softcover

Smith, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631208623 ISBN 13: 9780631208624

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2003

Synopsis

This examination of Hinduism in the context of modernity will be of interest to all students of Hinduism, as well as to those interested in the sociology and history of religion.

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• Shows Hinduism to be a highly dynamic world-view which challenges western notions of modernity.
  
• Considers a broad range of topics including women, the caste system, the self, divinities and gurus.
  
• Contains up-to-date discussions of modern Hindu culture and beliefs.

About this title

Book Description:

This innovative book offers a dynamic analysis of Hinduism in the perspective of Western notions of modernity. After reviewing definitions of modernity and Hinduism and looking at modernity in India, the author considers Hinduism in relation to Islam and the West. The second half of the book presents key aspects of Hinduism, ancient and modern, in the light of their contrast with modernity. The scope of the book is extremely broad, covering topics such as Orientalism, women, goddesses, gods, and the central problem of contemporary Hinduism - the rise of Hindu nationalism. The book will be of interest not only to students of Hinduism but also to all those interested in the sociology of religion more broadly, and indeed everyone interested in the conjunction of modernity and tradition.

About the Author:

David Smith is Reader in Indian Religions at Lancaster University. He has published two books on classical Indian culture, Ratnakara's Haravijaya (1985) and The Dance of Siva (1996).

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0631208623
• ISBN 13: 9780631208624
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 264