Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)

Klostermaier, Klaus K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851682139 ISBN 13: 9781851682133

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2000

The history of the Hindu tradition is captured by Kalus K. Klostermaier in this new survey of a rich and ancient religion. This study moves swiftly but thoroughly through the ages, from early emergence of the Vedic tradition to the developments in contemporary Hinduism. Factual information is balanced with discussion of such problematic areas as the true origins of Hinduism and the controversy of the Aryan invasion. Other features include: full coverage of all the major branches within the religion, and their origins; the role of philosophical reflection in the development of Hinduism; the future of Hinduism; a quick-reference chronology, bibliography and extensive glossary. This guide to the development of a major religion should be of interest to those interested in the subject, from gradates to the curious general reader, and can be used as a companion volume to "Hinduism - a short introduction".

Review:

The Hindu tradition can seem overwhelmingly complex--compared with other major religions it is not "organised"; there is no "identifiable human founder", such as Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed, and Hindus have never been interested in drawing up a "definition" of their beliefs. This fluid attitude has led to a rich diversity from "naked sadhus practising archaic forms of penance", to elephant-headed gods to the hundreds of thousands of deities in the Hindu pantheon--the staggering array can seem unfathomable to the outsider.

Klostermaier, one of the foremost writers on Hinduism, addresses the difficulties of a concise history from the outset. He suggests the religion is probably much older than commonly thought; that the Vedic tradition dates back to "possibly as early as 6000 BC", then he goes on to debunk the prevailing beliefs surrounding the "so-called" Aryan invasion theory that most textbooks still assert, namely that Hinduism began when the Aryans invaded India around 1500 BC. Klostermaier argues convincingly that "there is absolutely no archeological or literary evidence for this theory," that "it was the brain-child of foreign colonies who could but imagine that all elements of higher culture in India must have come from outside that backward country."

Klostermaier also gives an accessible overview of the religion, and gives a concise analysis of its main strands and philosophies, ending with a look at what's been happening in recent times. In keeping with his other books on the subject, including Hinduism: A Short Introduction and A Survey of Hinduism, this is an impressively erudite and authoritative work, backed up with extensive footnotes and references, a full glossary and an exhaustive bibliography. The weight of Klostermaier's knowledge may make this heavy-going for readers completely new to Hinduism but anyone with a serious interest will find this an essential reference book. --Louise McNamara

Review:

'Solid, comprehensive scholarship... I enjoyed reading it.' - Harold Coward, University of Victoria