The Hindu World (Routledge Worlds). By Suhil Mittal and Gene ThursbyThe Blackwell Companion to Hinduism. By Gavin Flood

Abstract

These volumes analyze the various traditions, literatures, and practices of Hinduism, explaining the significance of these aspects of Hinduism while providing detailed accounts of historical developments in Hinduism using anthropological, philosophical, theological, and cultural-critical approaches. In doing so, both volumes support the existence of Hinduism, though recent scholarship suggests otherwise. Unfortunately, these volumes repeatedly go off topic with discussions of Buddhism and Jainism. Additional consideration of how Hindu practices function to legitimate the subordination of people based on gender, caste, and class. Sushil Mittal's and Gene Thursby's The Hindu World is an accessible and intellectually sound volume on twenty-four topics of Hinduism. Part I, “Introducing the Hindu World,” provides a critique of what is characterized as Hinduism and advocates replacing it with a polycentric approach. Part II, “Oral Teachings and Textual Traditions,” provides an overview of Valmiki Ramayana, Purana, Mahabharata, Veda, and Upanisad. Part III, “Theistic and Devotional Movements,” describes the ritual observance and theology of Saiva, Sakta, Vaisnava, and Bhakti traditions. Part IV, “Cosmic Order and Human Goals,” examines the different meanings of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksa as well as the major role of these terms in the ethics and religion of Hindus. Part V, “Social Action and Social Structure,” analyzes concepts of Karma, Samskara, Varna, Jati, and Asrama to provide a framework for judging actions in Hindu society. Part VI, “Vitality In Persons and In Places,” considers practices of Anna, Grama, and Alaya, and pilgrimages to Tirtha sites. Part VII, “Linguistic and Philosophic Analysis,” presents manifestation of Bhasa expression, and Dasana and Kala philosophical systems.