Author: Christophe Jaffrelot
Veena Dass/Eminent Contributors
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): Vasudha Dalmia/Heinrich von Stietencron
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 397
ISBN/UPC (if available): 019806246X
Description
This reader examines the genealogy of modern Hinduism. It traces the key moments in the formation of Hindu traditions as well as the major shifts in their configurations. The endeavor is not only to dismantle colonial and nationalist constructions, but also to seek viable models to reconstruct past traditions. A comprehensive introduction locates the importance of various essays in understanding the processes molding modern Hinduism.
With its contemporary relevance and broad range of perspectives, the volume will attract a wide readership including students and scholars of religion, history, philosophy, sociology, politics, and the interested general reader.
COMMENTS
‘The term “Hindu”, according to Vasudha Dalmia in her thought-provoking introduction to this invaluable volume, “is not used in Sanskrit in a self-representational sense by any religious community before the nineteenth century.” That comment alone should be a lure to readers….contributions are theoretically sophisticated, going beyond one-dimensional approaches to engage larger issues… [and] most creative scholars working…today.’
-Barbara D. Metcalf, Professor, University of Michigan, USA
‘Essays of exceptionally high quality by a group of eminent scholars…cover with authority a wide range of significant themes. The writing is scholarly and yet accessible. An indispensable volume for anyone with a serious interest in the study of Hinduism.’
-T.N. Madan, Emeritus Professor, Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi
‘…the most comprehensive introduction to date on the development of Hinduism…this excellent, thought-provoking, and highly accessible book belongs on the bookshelf of every reader with an interest in the subject….eminent scholars from a variety of disciplines…cover major themes in the interface of religion and the public sphere.’
-Indira Viswanathan Peterson, Professor, Mount Holyoke College, USA
‘[This book] produce [s]…considerable rethinking…also persuade[s] us to be less presumptuous about our cultural antecedents’
-Amiya P.Sen, The Book Review
Contents
Introduction
Vasudha Dalmia
PART I: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
1. A Radical Reassessment of the Vedic Heritage: The Acaryahrdayam and its Wider Implications
FRIEDHELM HARDY
2. Religious Configurations in Medieval India and the Modern Concept of Hinduism HEINRICH VON STIETENCRON
3. 'The Only Real Religion of the Hindus': Vaisnava Self-representation in the Late Nineteenth Century
VASUDHA DALMIA
PART II: THE CHANGING FACES OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY
4. Sankara as Jagadguru According to Sankara-Digvijaya
ANGELIKA MALINAR
5. Madhva and the Reform of Vaisnavism in Karnataka
ROBERT J. ZYDENBOS
6. Practical Vedanta
WILHELM HALBFASS
PART III: LAW, HISTORY AND THE NATIONALIZATION OF HINDUISM
7. The Personal Law Question and Hindu Nationalism
DIETER CONRAD
8. History and the Nationalization of Hinduism
PARTHA CHATTERJEE
9. The Representation of Gods and Heroes in the Parsi Mythological Drama of the Early Twentieth Century
ANURADHA KAPUR;
PART IV: THE CATEGORY 'HINDU' IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE OF NEPAL
10. The Category 'Hindu' in the Political Discourse of Nepal
RICHARD BURGHART
11. Counter-concepts and the Creation of Cultural Identity: Hindus in the Militant Sikh Discourse
VEENA DAS
12. The Vishva Hindu Parishad: A Nationalist but Mimetic Attempt at Federating the Hindu Sects
CHRISTOPHE JAFFRELOT
13. The Appeal of Hindu History
GYANENDRA PANDEY
14. Gendered Fractures in Hindu Nationalism: On the Subject-Members of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti
PAOLA BACCHETTA
List of Contributors