Defying a precise definition, Hinduism (a term introduced by English writers in 1830s), properly denotes the Indian Civilization-with a chequered History of over five millennia. Integrating, as it does, "a large variety of Heterogeneous elements, it constitutes a very complex but largely continuous whole", covering aspect of life: religious, philosophic, social, economic, literary, artisti.
Unlike the world's other major faiths, Hinduism has not grown as a perspective religion, but rather as a way of life : In myriad manifestations, myriad moods. And, inevitably, in rhetoric/terminology as well-because Hindu contexts (far from being static), have been devolutionary, even a bit too metamorphic! This 6-Volume Dictionary tries to spell out The Hindu phraseology/contexts in all their changing nuancest-through pre-Paninian, Paninian, Classical, post-Classical and pre-Medieval ages, with essentials of the pristine Spiritual culture of the subcontinent", called Hinduism.
Dictionary of Hinduism : Volumes 2-5, sets out Sanskrit and Vernacular words/terms/phrases: in Romanized letters, with their meanings/explanations in easy-to-understand English. Classifying the entire vocabular Stock by a vast range of themes/topics of intimate relevance, among others, to Hindu religion, Sacred writings, philosophy, arts, literature, culture and society; The Author has incorporated each lexical item here in the Word Index (volume 6), with cross-references to facilitate its location in the main body of the compilation.
Volume 1, in the Nature of an introductory volume, offers a comprehensive overview of Hinduism, its beginnings, traditions, religious/sectarian movements, teachings, socio-cultural parameters, and arts, in sum of the whole Hindu heritage.
Also included here numerous illustrations: b/w photographs and line-drawings, highlighting The Hindu way of life in its diversity; ranging from mundane, everyday pre-occupations of the Hindus to their Creative expression in Art and architecture. |
