000			02473nam a22002417a 4500
003			CUTN
005			20250606130707.0
008			250606b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020			_a9789390063147
041			_aEnglish
082			_223 _a294.5 _bWIL
100			_aWilliams, Monier Monier
245			_aBrahmanism and Hinduism: _bOr Religious thought and Life in India, as Based on the Veda and other Sacred Books of the Hindus / _cMonier Monier Williams
260			_aNew Delhi : _bMaven Books, _c2022.
300			_a601 p. : _bIll. ; _c25 cm
520			_aSir Monier Monier-Williams's "Brahmanism and Hinduism" is a monumental and highly influential work that provides a comprehensive survey of religious thought and life in India, primarily focusing on the historical development and contemporary practices of Hinduism. As a pioneering Indologist, Monier-Williams meticulously draws upon the vast body of Vedic and other Sanskrit sacred texts to trace the evolution of religious concepts from ancient Vedic rituals and theistic beliefs (Brahmanism) to the diverse, multifaceted forms of modern Hinduism. The book explores the intricate relationships between philosophy, mythology, ritual, and social structure in Indian religious life. It examines the foundational role of the Vedas, the emergence of the concept of Brahman, and the development of the prominent Hindu deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. Monier-Williams dedicates significant attention to the major sectarian divisions within Hinduism, such as Vaishnavism and Shaivism, detailing their unique doctrines, worship practices, and historical trajectories. Beyond theological and philosophical discussions, the author provides rich ethnographic details on the practical aspects of Hindu religiosity. This includes an exploration of the caste system, domestic and public rituals, festivals, pilgrimages, and the role of priests and gurus. While written from a 19th-century European scholarly perspective, the book remains a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and complexity of Hindu traditions, serving as a significant reference for the study of Indian religions. It is a work of immense scholarship that aimed to explain the rich tapestry of religious beliefs and practices to a Western audience.
650			_aIndian Religions
650			_aReligious Thought
650			_a Religious Life
650			_aIndian Philosophy
650			_aVaishnavism
942			_2ddc _cBOOKS
999			_c44633 _d44633