Origins and Development of Classical Hinduism

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 180 pages
• Published by: OUP India May 22, 2003
• ISBN 10 Number: 0195630858
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0195630855
• Book Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 7 ounces

Book Description
The late A L Basham was one of the world's foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture and religion. His account of the origins and development of classical Hinduism, compiled and expanded posthumously, represents a lifetime of study and reflection on the subject. This is the first reissue of the original hardcover in Oxford India Paperbacks format.

About The Author
A L Basham is at Australian National University. Kenneth G Zysk is at Eastern Michigan University.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Origins and Development of Classical Hinduism (Paperback) 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.' Comment | | (Report this)