Defining Hinduism

Defying a precise definition, Hinduism (a term introduced by English writers in 1830s), properly denotes the Indian Civilization—with a chequered history of over five millennia. Integrating, as it does, a large variety of heterogeneous elements, it constitutes a very complex but largely continuous whole, covering every aspect of life: religious, philosophic, social, economic, literary, and artistic.

Unlike the world's other major faiths, Hinduism has not grown as a perspective religion, but rather as a way of life: in myriad manifestations, myriad moods. And, inevitably, in rhetoric, terminology as well—because Hindu contexts (far from being static), have been devolutionary, even a bit too metamorphic.

The Dictionary of Hinduism

This 6-volume Dictionary tries to spell out the Hindu phraseology, contexts in all their changing nuances—through pre-Paninian, Paninian, Classical, post-Classical and pre-Medieval ages, with essentials of the pristine spiritual culture of the subcontinent, called Hinduism.

Dictionary of Hinduism: Volumes 2-5, sets out Sanskrit and Vernacular words, terms, phrases: in Romanized letters, with their meanings, explanations in easy-to-understand English. Classifying the entire vocabulary stock by a vast range of themes, topics of intimate relevance, among others, to Hindu religion, sacred writings, philosophy, arts, literature, culture and society; the author has incorporated each lexical item here in the Word Index (volume 6), with cross-references to facilitate its location in the main body of the compilation.

Volume I Overview

Volume I, in the nature of an introductory volume, offers a comprehensive overview of Hinduism, its beginnings, traditions, religious, sectarian movements, teachings, socio-cultural parameters, and arts, in sum of the whole Hindu heritage. Also included here numerous illustrations: black and white photographs and line-drawings, highlighting the Hindu way of life in its diversity; ranging from mundane, everyday pre-occupations of the Hindus to their creative expression in art and architecture.