Modern Hinduism in Text and Context

Modern Hinduism in Text and Context

Author: Lavanya Vemsani

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2018-07-26

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1350045098

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Modern Hinduism in Text and Context brings together textual and contextual approaches to provide a holistic understanding of modern Hinduism. It examines new sources - including regional Saiva texts, Odissi dance and biographies of Nationalists - and discusses topics such as yoga, dance, visual art and festivals in tandem with questions of spirituality and ritual. The book addresses themes and issues yet to receive in-depth attention in the study of Hinduism. It shows that Hinduism endures not only in texts, but also in the context of festivals and devotion, and that contemporary practice, devotional literature, creative traditions and ethics inform the intricacies of a religion in context. Lavanya Vemsani draws on social scientific methodologies as well as history, ethnography and textual analysis, demonstrating that they are all part of the toolkit for understanding the larger framework of religion in the context of emerging nationhood, transnational and transcultural interactions.


Book Synopsis Modern Hinduism in Text and Context by : Lavanya Vemsani

Download or read book Modern Hinduism in Text and Context written by Lavanya Vemsani and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2018-07-26 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Modern Hinduism in Text and Context brings together textual and contextual approaches to provide a holistic understanding of modern Hinduism. It examines new sources - including regional Saiva texts, Odissi dance and biographies of Nationalists - and discusses topics such as yoga, dance, visual art and festivals in tandem with questions of spirituality and ritual. The book addresses themes and issues yet to receive in-depth attention in the study of Hinduism. It shows that Hinduism endures not only in texts, but also in the context of festivals and devotion, and that contemporary practice, devotional literature, creative traditions and ethics inform the intricacies of a religion in context. Lavanya Vemsani draws on social scientific methodologies as well as history, ethnography and textual analysis, demonstrating that they are all part of the toolkit for understanding the larger framework of religion in the context of emerging nationhood, transnational and transcultural interactions.


Hinduism in the Modern World

Hinduism in the Modern World

Author: Brian A. Hatcher

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-10-05

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 113504631X

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Hinduism in the Modern World presents a new and unprecedented attempt to survey the nature, range, and significance of modern and contemporary Hinduism in South Asia and the global diaspora. Organized to reflect the direction of recent scholarly research, this volume breaks with earlier texts on this subject by seeking to overcome a misleading dichotomy between an elite, intellectualist "modern" Hinduism and the rest of what has so often been misleadingly termed "traditional" or "popular" Hinduism. Without neglecting the significance of modern reformist visions of Hinduism, this book reconceptualizes the meaning of "modern Hinduism" both by expanding its content and by situating its expression within a larger framework of history, ethnography, and contemporary critical theory. This volume equips undergraduate readers with the tools necessary to appreciate the richness and diversity of Hinduism as it has developed during the past two centuries.


Book Synopsis Hinduism in the Modern World by : Brian A. Hatcher

Download or read book Hinduism in the Modern World written by Brian A. Hatcher and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-10-05 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hinduism in the Modern World presents a new and unprecedented attempt to survey the nature, range, and significance of modern and contemporary Hinduism in South Asia and the global diaspora. Organized to reflect the direction of recent scholarly research, this volume breaks with earlier texts on this subject by seeking to overcome a misleading dichotomy between an elite, intellectualist "modern" Hinduism and the rest of what has so often been misleadingly termed "traditional" or "popular" Hinduism. Without neglecting the significance of modern reformist visions of Hinduism, this book reconceptualizes the meaning of "modern Hinduism" both by expanding its content and by situating its expression within a larger framework of history, ethnography, and contemporary critical theory. This volume equips undergraduate readers with the tools necessary to appreciate the richness and diversity of Hinduism as it has developed during the past two centuries.


Spiritual Despots

Spiritual Despots

Author: J. Barton Scott

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2016-07-19

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 022636867X

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Spiritual Despots by historian of religion J. Barton Scott zeroes in on the quaint term "priestcraft" to track anticlerical polemics in Britain and South Asia during the colonial period. Scott's aim is to show how anticlerical rhetoric spread through the colonies alongside ideas about modern secular subjectivity. Through close readings of texts in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, he shows in compelling detail how the critique of priestly conspiracy gave rise to a new ideal of the self-disciplining subject and a vision of modern Hinduism that was based on unmediated personal experience and self-regulation rather than priestly tutelary power. Spiritual Despots offers a new perspective on what some scholars have called "Protestant Hinduism," and, more broadly, contributes to the emerging field of "post-secular" studies by shedding light on the colonial genealogy of secular subjectivity.


Book Synopsis Spiritual Despots by : J. Barton Scott

Download or read book Spiritual Despots written by J. Barton Scott and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2016-07-19 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spiritual Despots by historian of religion J. Barton Scott zeroes in on the quaint term "priestcraft" to track anticlerical polemics in Britain and South Asia during the colonial period. Scott's aim is to show how anticlerical rhetoric spread through the colonies alongside ideas about modern secular subjectivity. Through close readings of texts in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, he shows in compelling detail how the critique of priestly conspiracy gave rise to a new ideal of the self-disciplining subject and a vision of modern Hinduism that was based on unmediated personal experience and self-regulation rather than priestly tutelary power. Spiritual Despots offers a new perspective on what some scholars have called "Protestant Hinduism," and, more broadly, contributes to the emerging field of "post-secular" studies by shedding light on the colonial genealogy of secular subjectivity.


Contemporary Hinduism

Contemporary Hinduism

Author: Robin Rinehart

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2004-07-21

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1576079066

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An examination of the contemporary practices, beliefs, and issues of one of the world's oldest and most enduring religions, both within its Indian homeland and throughout the world. Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice illuminates the modern-day ritual, range, and reach of this ancient and diverse religion. A brief historical overview is followed by discussions of the oral and written origins of Hinduism that give context for the main emphasis—contemporary thought, practice, and key issues. Unique to this work is the consistent attention given to the practice of Hinduism for both men and women. What roles do caste and gender play in modern Hinduism? How are issues like ethics and the environment approached? What are the differences between urban and rural Hinduism, fundamental and secular Hinduism? To what countries has this religion spread, and how do the beliefs and practices of their people compare and contrast? Essays written by Indian and Western scholars answer these and other intriguing questions, introducing readers to the whole world of "living Hinduism" rather than the perspectives and traditions of a small elite.


Book Synopsis Contemporary Hinduism by : Robin Rinehart

Download or read book Contemporary Hinduism written by Robin Rinehart and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2004-07-21 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An examination of the contemporary practices, beliefs, and issues of one of the world's oldest and most enduring religions, both within its Indian homeland and throughout the world. Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice illuminates the modern-day ritual, range, and reach of this ancient and diverse religion. A brief historical overview is followed by discussions of the oral and written origins of Hinduism that give context for the main emphasis—contemporary thought, practice, and key issues. Unique to this work is the consistent attention given to the practice of Hinduism for both men and women. What roles do caste and gender play in modern Hinduism? How are issues like ethics and the environment approached? What are the differences between urban and rural Hinduism, fundamental and secular Hinduism? To what countries has this religion spread, and how do the beliefs and practices of their people compare and contrast? Essays written by Indian and Western scholars answer these and other intriguing questions, introducing readers to the whole world of "living Hinduism" rather than the perspectives and traditions of a small elite.


History and the Making of a Modern Hindu Self

History and the Making of a Modern Hindu Self

Author: Aparna Devare

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-04-03

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1136197079

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Taking the contentious debates surrounding historical evidence and history writing between secularists and Hindu nationalists as a starting point, this book seeks to understand the origins of a growing historical consciousness in contemporary India, especially amongst Hindus. The broad question it poses is: Why has ‘history’ become such an important site of identity, conflict and self-definition amongst modern Hindus, especially when Hinduism is known to have been notoriously impervious to history? As modern ideas regarding notions of history came to India with colonialism, it turns to the colonial period as the ‘moment of encounter’ with such ideas. The book examines three distinct moments in the Hindu self through the lives and writings of lower-caste public figure Jotiba Phule, ‘moderate’ nationalist M. G. Ranade and Hindu nationalist V. D. Savarkar. Through a close reading of original writings, speeches and biographical material, it is demonstrated that these three individuals were engaged with a modern historical and rationalist approach. However, the same material is also used to argue that Phule and Ranade viewed religion as living, contemporaneous and capable of informing both their personal and political lives. Savarkar, the ‘explicitly Hindu’ leader, on the contrary, held Hindu practices and traditions in contempt, confining them to historical analysis while denying any role for religion as spirituality or morality in contemporary political life. While providing some historical context, this volume highlights the philosophical/ political ideas and actions of the three individuals discussed. It integrates aspects of their lives as central to understanding their politics.


Book Synopsis History and the Making of a Modern Hindu Self by : Aparna Devare

Download or read book History and the Making of a Modern Hindu Self written by Aparna Devare and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-04-03 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking the contentious debates surrounding historical evidence and history writing between secularists and Hindu nationalists as a starting point, this book seeks to understand the origins of a growing historical consciousness in contemporary India, especially amongst Hindus. The broad question it poses is: Why has ‘history’ become such an important site of identity, conflict and self-definition amongst modern Hindus, especially when Hinduism is known to have been notoriously impervious to history? As modern ideas regarding notions of history came to India with colonialism, it turns to the colonial period as the ‘moment of encounter’ with such ideas. The book examines three distinct moments in the Hindu self through the lives and writings of lower-caste public figure Jotiba Phule, ‘moderate’ nationalist M. G. Ranade and Hindu nationalist V. D. Savarkar. Through a close reading of original writings, speeches and biographical material, it is demonstrated that these three individuals were engaged with a modern historical and rationalist approach. However, the same material is also used to argue that Phule and Ranade viewed religion as living, contemporaneous and capable of informing both their personal and political lives. Savarkar, the ‘explicitly Hindu’ leader, on the contrary, held Hindu practices and traditions in contempt, confining them to historical analysis while denying any role for religion as spirituality or morality in contemporary political life. While providing some historical context, this volume highlights the philosophical/ political ideas and actions of the three individuals discussed. It integrates aspects of their lives as central to understanding their politics.


Women in the Hindu World

Women in the Hindu World

Author: Mandakranta Bose

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2023-08-01

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13:

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Women in the Hindu World explores the role of womanhood in Hindu religious culture and how the faith influences women’s social experiences. Women in the Hindu World encourages readers to develop and nurture their own understanding of the life of a woman as a Hindu. The seven chapters proceed both historically and thematically, exploring abstract philosophical concepts about women, as well as concrete worldly conditions of the lives they lead, from the earliest stages of Hindu society to the present, marking through time the evolving religious roles and social status of women. Hindu women have consistently found in their faith resources for claiming selfhood both within their faith and in society. Within the home, women are the keepers of the family’s religious rites. Outside the home, they worship through poetry, painting, dance, and music. Like their peers around the world, modern Hindu women have fought and worked together to claim decisive roles in shaping their own lives, while maintaining their faith and culture. Women in the Hindu World explores and explains the place of women in Hinduism, and the impact of Hinduism on women’s roles in society. EXPERT ANALYSIS: Author Mandakranta Bose is Professor Emerita and former Director of the Centre for India and South Asia Research at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, where she also has taught courses in religious and gender studies. SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY: Women in the Hindu World provides a breadth of educational knowledge as a supplement to both academic coursework and the independent study of Hinduism. With the integration of discussion questions, suggested further reading, and images throughout, Women in the Hindu World offers an accessible introduction to exploring the connection between womanhood and Hinduism. EXPLORE THE SERIES: The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Publishing Series offers authoritative yet accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects in Hindu Studies. Each book in the series aims to present its subject matter in a form that is engaging and readily comprehensible to persons of all backgrounds – academic or otherwise – without compromising scholarly rigour. The series thus bridges the divide between academic and popular writing by preserving and utilising the best elements of both. Women in the Hindu World joins other engaging texts in the series, including The Hindu Temple and Its Sacred Landscape and The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation and Study Guide.


Book Synopsis Women in the Hindu World by : Mandakranta Bose

Download or read book Women in the Hindu World written by Mandakranta Bose and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2023-08-01 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Women in the Hindu World explores the role of womanhood in Hindu religious culture and how the faith influences women’s social experiences. Women in the Hindu World encourages readers to develop and nurture their own understanding of the life of a woman as a Hindu. The seven chapters proceed both historically and thematically, exploring abstract philosophical concepts about women, as well as concrete worldly conditions of the lives they lead, from the earliest stages of Hindu society to the present, marking through time the evolving religious roles and social status of women. Hindu women have consistently found in their faith resources for claiming selfhood both within their faith and in society. Within the home, women are the keepers of the family’s religious rites. Outside the home, they worship through poetry, painting, dance, and music. Like their peers around the world, modern Hindu women have fought and worked together to claim decisive roles in shaping their own lives, while maintaining their faith and culture. Women in the Hindu World explores and explains the place of women in Hinduism, and the impact of Hinduism on women’s roles in society. EXPERT ANALYSIS: Author Mandakranta Bose is Professor Emerita and former Director of the Centre for India and South Asia Research at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, where she also has taught courses in religious and gender studies. SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY: Women in the Hindu World provides a breadth of educational knowledge as a supplement to both academic coursework and the independent study of Hinduism. With the integration of discussion questions, suggested further reading, and images throughout, Women in the Hindu World offers an accessible introduction to exploring the connection between womanhood and Hinduism. EXPLORE THE SERIES: The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Publishing Series offers authoritative yet accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects in Hindu Studies. Each book in the series aims to present its subject matter in a form that is engaging and readily comprehensible to persons of all backgrounds – academic or otherwise – without compromising scholarly rigour. The series thus bridges the divide between academic and popular writing by preserving and utilising the best elements of both. Women in the Hindu World joins other engaging texts in the series, including The Hindu Temple and Its Sacred Landscape and The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation and Study Guide.


Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata

Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata

Author: Lavanya Vemsani

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783030731663

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The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society. Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA. Her publications include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama. Vemsani is President of the Ohio Academy of History. She is the Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and Associate Editor of Air Force Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Canadian Journal of History. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Research Award, and SACA/CASA Best Thesis Award.


Book Synopsis Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata by : Lavanya Vemsani

Download or read book Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata written by Lavanya Vemsani and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society. Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History at Shawnee State University, USA. Her publications include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama. Vemsani is President of the Ohio Academy of History. She is the Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions and Associate Editor of Air Force Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Canadian Journal of History. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, Research Award, and SACA/CASA Best Thesis Award.


Source Book Modern Hinduism

Source Book Modern Hinduism

Author: Glyn Richards

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-02-01

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 1136099220

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Published in the year 2004, Source Book Modern Hinduism is a valuable contribution to the field of Asian Studies.


Book Synopsis Source Book Modern Hinduism by : Glyn Richards

Download or read book Source Book Modern Hinduism written by Glyn Richards and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-02-01 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Published in the year 2004, Source Book Modern Hinduism is a valuable contribution to the field of Asian Studies.


The Study of Hinduism

The Study of Hinduism

Author: Arvind Sharma

Publisher: Univ of South Carolina Press

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 9781570034497

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In this text, leading scholars from around the world take stock of two centuries of international intellectual investment in Hinduism. Since the early 19th century, when the scholarly investigation of Hinduism began to take shape as a modern academic discipline, Hindu studies has evolved from its concentration on description and analysis to an emphasis on understanding Hindu traditions in the context of the religion's own values, concepts and history. Offering an assessment of the current state of Hindu studies, the contributors to this volume identify past achievements and chart the course for what remains to be accomplished in the field.


Book Synopsis The Study of Hinduism by : Arvind Sharma

Download or read book The Study of Hinduism written by Arvind Sharma and published by Univ of South Carolina Press. This book was released on 2003 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this text, leading scholars from around the world take stock of two centuries of international intellectual investment in Hinduism. Since the early 19th century, when the scholarly investigation of Hinduism began to take shape as a modern academic discipline, Hindu studies has evolved from its concentration on description and analysis to an emphasis on understanding Hindu traditions in the context of the religion's own values, concepts and history. Offering an assessment of the current state of Hindu studies, the contributors to this volume identify past achievements and chart the course for what remains to be accomplished in the field.


Text and Context in the Study of Contemporary Hinduism

Text and Context in the Study of Contemporary Hinduism

Author: Milton B. Singer

Publisher:

Published: 1963

Total Pages: 40

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Text and Context in the Study of Contemporary Hinduism by : Milton B. Singer

Download or read book Text and Context in the Study of Contemporary Hinduism written by Milton B. Singer and published by . This book was released on 1963 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: