https://www.scribd.com/document/380144962/Hindusim
K. M. SenK. M. Sen
Hinduism Paperback – International Edition, May 31, 2005
by Kshiti Mohan Sen (Author), Amartya Sen (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 49 ratings
3.8 on Goodreads
195 ratings
K. M. Sen discusses the evolution of Hinduism's central systems of belief and codes of conduct, as well as popular cults and sects such as Bhakti, Tantrika and the mystics of North India, and describes the varying incarnations of its supreme deity, Krishna and Rama among them. He recounts its history from the Indus Valley civilization c 2500 BC and the Vedic age nature gods to its relationship with Buddhism and Jainism and the impact of western culture. And he describes the day-to-day practice of Hinduism - customs, festivals and rituals; the caste system; and its philosophies and exponents.
In a new foreword, the author's grandson Amartya Sen brings his work right up to date, examining the role of Hinduism in the world today.
208 pages
May 31, 2005
JRC
5.0 out of 5 stars A basic, yet elegant account of Hinduism.Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2013
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208 pages
May 31, 2005
JRC
5.0 out of 5 stars A basic, yet elegant account of Hinduism.Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a classic book written by an eminent scholar of Hinduism and rendered into English by a non-observing Nobel-Laureate economist, who has presented the facts neutrally in an engaging, but non-judgmental manner.
The initial chapters would be informative to newcomers to the study of Hinduism, but not to those who already have some knowledge of this religion/culture.
However, the later chapters chronicle the evolution of Hinduism from the prehistoric times through the middle ages to the present time.
This journey through the periods of history is educative, inspiring and even startling to even those who were raised as Hindus in modern India and are reasonably knowledgeable about Hinduism.
The author has consciously kept the book short, which is good.
The only regret is that more quotations from the Sanskrit scriptures were not used in support of the conclusions made by the author.
This is a slight disappointment in view of the author's vast and deep scholarship in this field.
Overall, this is a historical account of a religion, which is as captivating as a classic novel. In the opinion of this reader, this book is not to be missed, whether one is an observing Hindu or merely curious about the great cultural-spiritual phenomenon known as Hinduism.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read - explains all concepts clearly and a ...Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2018
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Easy to read - explains all concepts clearly and a non biased expose on the foundations, history and development of Hinduism and Hindu thought in India and the world.
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adea
5.0 out of 5 stars A Definitive Book.Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2013
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A definitive book on Indian Philosophy. It is really not a book on religion rather the cultural synthesis in India.
Top reviews from other countries
Abredjones
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in Canada on January 19, 2017
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The book is very informative and removes too many mis-conception about Hinduism.
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Dr Asoke Chakraborty
5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable book to understand and know about Hinduism.Reviewed in India on November 14, 2015
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My knowledge and idea about Hinduism would have remained incomplete and distorted without reading this book.This book helped me to develop a very broad and comprehensive notion about Hinduism.
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j tattersall
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2012
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As I am off to India again I thought I would read a little on Hinduism - beautifully written and is easy to read
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Dr.Kaushik Roy
5.0 out of 5 stars Precise to HinduismReviewed in India on June 10, 2018
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A precise and short outline sketch oh Hindu religion.
MST
4.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable book on Hinduism in 100 pagesReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 6, 2016
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I am not an atheist. but mu parents are Hindus. I chose to read this book because I have great respect for Amartya Sen. This book is by his grandfather and the grandson has translated it. It is a short book (thankfully!), but gives the essentials.
One is struck by the fact that there is not 'Hinduism', but many.
Over time its philosophy and world view has need challenged from within resulting in many different trends, versions and editions. Who is to tell which of these is the 'correct'' one?
I guess this is so with all religions, but many hang on to what they claim is the 'true version' of it and others argue endlessly about it.
Hinduism gives you a choice. There has been a school of thought called Saangiam that is atheistic. The book covers the various schools of thought that come under the umbrella of Hinduism. With the Modi government espousing the the cause of Hinduism as the official philosophy of the country and the push to recognise the Gita holy book, it is important that people take the message of this book seriously, viz. Hinduism is not a monolithic philosophy, but embraces a multitude of faiths.
One major criticism of this otherwise laudable book is it is soft on the caste system that is an integral part of Hinduism. And Hindu apologists cannot duck this issue. It has had, and continues to have, terrible consequences for Indian society. The domination of the priestly class, the Brahmins (the author is one, I presume) over Indian society over the last millennium or more has been understated in the book.
In spite of these short comings, it is readable book, written by a Sanskrit scholar with a broad outlook and, in my view, gives a complete picture of Hinduism and not the bits that the author believes in.
One major criticism of this otherwise laudable book is it is soft on the caste system that is an integral part of Hinduism. And Hindu apologists cannot duck this issue. It has had, and continues to have, terrible consequences for Indian society. The domination of the priestly class, the Brahmins (the author is one, I presume) over Indian society over the last millennium or more has been understated in the book.
In spite of these short comings, it is readable book, written by a Sanskrit scholar with a broad outlook and, in my view, gives a complete picture of Hinduism and not the bits that the author believes in.
Undoubtedly it a liberal interpretation of Hinduism. If one wants an introduction to Hinduism, this is the book for you. Those who are of the Hindu faith may have to suspend their previous judements before embarking on the task of reading the book
Sen has summarised Hinduism in a little more that 100 pages and at the same time given samples from the Vedas so that the reader gets a feel for the origin writings. What more does one want?
