Author: David Smith
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 250
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0631208623
Description
This innovative book offers a dynamic analysis of Hinduism in the perspective of western notions of modernity. After reviewing definition 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 conjunction of modernity and tradition.
REVIEW
In his book David Smith presents a comprehensive survey of Hinduism in relation to modernity. The book provides a fascinating account of the interaction of Hinduism with modernity from the rise of rationalist discourse in the West, through colonialism and Orientalism, to contemporary Hindu culture and the politics of identity. Controversial at times, particularly in its treatment of feminist and post-colonial critiques of Indology, the book will provide an extremely useful focus for discussion in courses on South Asia and the transformations of religion in late modernity.
-Professor Gavin Flood, University of Stirling
Contents
PREFACE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PART I: HINDUISM AND MODERNITY EXPLAINED
Modernity And Hinduism.
India And The Juggernaut Of Modernity.
Hinduism Ancient And Modern.
PART II: HINDUISM FOR OTHERS
Islam And Hinduism.
The Western Discovery Of Hinduism.
Hinduism and Orientalism.
PART III: HINDUISM CONTRASTED WITH MODERNITY
Woman Caste (Aurat Jati) And The Gender Of Modernity.
Kali East And West.
The Gods Of Hinduism And The Idols Of Modernity.
The Image Of The Self.
PART IV: HINDUISM TODAY
Gurus.
Modernity And Hindu Nationalism.
Hinduism And The Global Future.
Notes
References
Index