Basic Elements of Hinduism

Contents: Preface. 1. Hinduism. A General View. 2. Basic Elements of Pre-Vedic and Vedic Religion. 3. Basic Elements in the Historical Development of Hinduism. 4. Basic Elements of Sruti Literature. 5. Basic Elements of Smriti Literature. 6. Basic Elements in Philosophical Foundations of Hinduism. 7. Basic Elements in Vedantic Schools of Hinduism. 8. Basic Elements in Bhakti Movements of Hinduism. 9. Basic Elements in Hindu Samskaras, Rituals and Festivals. 10. Basic Elements of Hindu Ethics. 11. Basic Elements of Popular/Folk/Village Hinduism. 12. Basic Elements of Contemporary Hinduism.Bibliography. Webliography. Appendix.

Basic Elements of Hinduism is, perhaps, designed to meet the needs of students based on Senate of Serampore College (University) syllabus, which is, indeed, a systematic attempt to provide basic information on Hindu religious traditions. It provides a general view on derivation, definitions and characteristics of Hindu religious tradition. It deals with issues related to pre Vedic and Vedic religion and culture, chronological historical development of Hinduism from pre Vedic period to modern period. There is a detailed discussion on Sruti and Smriti literature covering major concerns, issues and teachings of Hindu scriptures from Samhitas to Agamas.

It attempts analytically basic philosophical foundations of Hinduism such as Nyaya, Vaishesika, Sankhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa. Also it provides basic information on different Vedantic schools developed in Hinduism such as Sankara’s Advaita, Ramanuja’s Vishistadvaita and Madhva’s Dvaita. Indeed, it gives a critical review on the origin and development of Hindu Bhakti movements; and provides needed information on Hindu samskaras, rituals and festivals.

This book discusses critically and unearths the basic ethical issues of Hinduism reviewing various scriptures of Hinduism. It provides a detailed discussion on popular/folk/village Hinduism and highlights some of the regional popular cults such as Chennakesava-Cult, Vira-Cult, Muttukutti Ayyakhuzil, Sangam and Teyyam. A critical and analytical attempt is focused on the issues of our contemporary Hinduism, such as Hindutva-Fundamentalism, Adivasi/Tribal and Patriarchal/Women issues. This book, indeed, helps as a text book to students of Hinduism.