Hinduism and modernity / David Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, David (David James), 1944-

Series:

Religion in the modern world

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Hinduism.

Hinduism and culture.

Religion.

India--Religion--20th century.

India.

Physical Description:

xi, 250 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub., 2003.

Summary:

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 ndash; 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.

Contents:

Part I Hinduism and Modernity Explained 1

1 Modernity and Hinduism 3

2 India and the Juggernaut of Modernity 21

3 Hinduism Ancient and Modern 33

Part II Hinduism for Others 47

4 Islam and Hinduism 49

5 The European Discovery of Hinduism 65

6 Hinduism and Orientalism 85

Part III Hinduism Contrasted with Modernity 103

7 'Woman Caste' (aurat jati) and the Gender of Modernity 105

8 Kali East and West 120

9 The Gods of Hinduism and the Idols of Modernity 138

10 The Image of the Self 151

Part IV Hinduism Today 165

11 Gurus 167

12 Modernity and Hindu Nationalism 181

13 Hinduism and the Global Future 199.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [220]-238) and index.

ISBN:

0631208615

0631208623

OCLC:

50064625