David Smith 
Hinduism and Modernity 

This examination of Hinduism in the context of modernity will be of
interest to all students of Hinduism, as well as to those
interested in the sociology and history of religion.

* * Shows Hinduism to be a highly dynamic world-view which
challenges western notions of modernity.

* Considers a broad range of topics including women, the caste
system, the self, divinities and gurus.

* Contains up-to-date discussions of modern Hindu culture and
beliefs.

Table of Content

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

Part I: Hinduism And Modernity Explained:.

1. Modernity And Hinduism.

2. India And The Juggernaut Of Modernity.

3. Hinduism Ancient And Modern.

Part II: Hinduism For Others:.

4. Islam And Hinduism.

5. The Western Discovery Of Hinduism.

6. Hinduism and Orientalism.

Part III: Hinduism Contrasted With Modernity:.

7. ‘Woman Caste’ (Aurat Jati) And The Gender Of
Modernity.

8. Kali East And West.

9. The Gods Of Hinduism And The Idols Of Modernity.

10. The Image Of The Self.

Part IV: Hinduism Today:.

11. Gurus.

12. Modernity And Hindu Nationalism.

13. Hinduism And The Global Future.

Notes.

References.

Index.

About the author

David Smith is Reader in Indian Religions at Lancaster University. He has published two books on classical Indian culture, Ratnakara’s Haravijaya (1985) and The Dance of Siva (1996).