The Origins and Development of Classical Hinduism

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 208 pages
• Published by: Oxford University Press, USA December 5, 1991
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0195073495
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0195073492
• Book Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 5.6 ounces

Product Review
"I ecided to use this text as soon as I read it, and we have used it this term. The previous texts on Hinduism received criticism from the students in formal assessments. This year's class has very much liked Classical Hinduism, finding it readable and informative. The students have been more favorable to the course this year at least in part due to this text."--Prescott A. Rogers, cademy of the New Church College

"The best brief introduction that I have seen. Basham coers all the essential material and much more. His style is wonderfully fluid and personal."--James Mayhall, University of Missouri-St. Louis

"Best work on the subject. Simple and scholarly."--S. N. Desai, St. John's University

"Clear and lucid, and it is enhanced by wonderful examplesof Hindu art. A useful introduction to the field."--Choice

"Provides an insight into what is the 'original' Hinduism.Basham will send many back with eager minds to the original texts."--The Independent Sunday (India)

"A fine booka suitable introduction to Hinduism and to early Indic thought."--Willard Johnson, San Diego State University

"This book is a gem! Sometimes mildly controversial, it is never eccentric, and it provides, in lucid style, much of the information most likely to interest beginners."--Douglas A. Fox, Colorado College

"A concise, accurate and useful compilation of matrerials from one of the leading Indologists of our time."--Douglas R. Brooks, University of Rochester

"Reflects deep knowledge of the Hindu tradition--a complex religion made simpler."--S.N. Desai, St. John's University

"This is a lucid, comprehensive introduction to the essentials of classic Hinduism."--Bradley Nystrom, California State Univ., Sacramento

Product Description
The late A.L. Basham was one of the world's foremost authorities on ancient Indian culture and religion. Modelled on his monumental work The Wonder That Was India, this account of the origins and development of classical Hinduism represents a lifetime of reflection on the subject, and offers an intriguing introduction to one of the richest of all Asian traditions.
Synthesizing Basham's great knowledge of the art, architecture, literature, and religion of South Asia, this concise history traces the spiritual life of India from the time of the Indus Culture (around 2700 B.C.E) through the crystallization of classical Hinduism in the first centuries of the common era. It chronicles as well the rise of other mystical and ascetic traditions, such as Buddhism and Jainism, and follows Hinduism's later incarnations in the West, making it an especially comprehensive introduction to the subject.
Unlike Christianity or Islam, Hinduism was not inspired by single great prophet but rather evolved organically. The wide range of influences and sources--along with the great number of sacred texts in ancient languages--can make the Hindu system of faith and practice seem almost impenetrable to the uninitiated. With its vivid presentation of Hinduism's sources--from the warrior Aryans to the wandering ascetics--and its clearly written explanations and analyses of the major Hindu texts--among them the Rg-veda, the Brahmanas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata and Ramayana--The Origins of Classical Hinduism clarifies much of Hinduism's enduring mystique. With an especially helpful bibliography, numerous illustrations of Hindu art never before published, and a lucid, accessible style, this book is must reading for anyone who has ever been intrigued by this fascinating religion.

Reader Reviews
One of the worst problems in getting a grasp of Indian religion and philosophy is that there is so much of it. If you are a dilettante, such as I, trying to keep the Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, and their derivatives in some kind of mental order is a task that distracts one from the real reasons for such study. In addition, the terminology is often daunting, especially for a beginner. Yet the ideas of India and it's neighbors have had influence far beyond their countries of origin, and a good basic understanding grants tremendous insight into the workings of the human spirit. Fortunately, there are many writers who have dedicated themselves to the explication of Indian philosophy. Almost too many. A short visit to the book store reveals many shelves of material, most of which entice and bewilder. Of course, this isn't surprising given the vastness of the subject matter. What is really needed it a bit of a roadmap, with enough detail to point the way to areas of interest. Which is where Arthur Basham's thin little book on classical Hinduism fits perfectly. Basham is both a scholar of ancient Indian culture and religion and one of its best proponents. His style is very clear and lucid, even when the subject matter is a bit dry. This volume is actually a collection of a series of his lectures put together in 1989 and is quite accessible. These span a period of time from about 2700 BCE through to the Common Era and beyond. More than Hinduism itself is discussed. Buddhism and Jainism come under scrutiny, although not as deeply as the main subject area. The editor (Kenneth Zysk) has appended a fine bibliography which will help guide the reader in further pursuits. The size and style preclude excessive detail, but Basham carefully steers clear of oversimplification. The sections proceed in chronological order, discussing the culture, the writings, and the important themes and ideas. It is very interesting to see how Hinduism takes form and moves through many stages of development, flirting with theism, monotheism, and every other variation in between, respecting many different beliefs instead of hammering out a single doctrine. This is a perfect starting out book. Also recommended is Basham's justifiably popular 'The Wonder That Was India.'