155 pages
English language
Published July 23, 1998 by Oxford University Press, USA.
Hinduism is practiced by about 80 percent of India's population, and by about 30 million people outside India. But how is Hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have? In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of Hindus and Hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and modernity. The author also considers the challenges posed to Hinduism at the end of the twentieth century as it spreads far beyond India, and as concerns are raised about issues such as dowry, death, caste prejudice, and the place of women in Hindu society.
This book is a place to start if one wants to learn about Hinduism, but it truly is just an introduction with the idea that the reader will go on to other texts. I feel like the book gave me a little more of a guide as to where to start reading and understanding this complex topic.
Not what I was expecting or hoping for, but in many ways I think I’ve gained valuable insights. Knott touches only lightly on the religious aspects of Hinduism, focusing almost entirely on the cultural values of misogyny, classism, and oppression. And in many ways I get it: if one were to write an intro to Christianity, the “father and son but they’re the same person oh and there’s a ghost too and also Mary is a demigod but not really” parts would, and should, be secondary to the Christian cultural values (misogyny, classism, and oppression. Also guns).
Anyhow. Won’t help me understand a book I’m reading, but may help me better understand more about a billion or so people. Seems fair.
