Hindu World
An Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism. In Two Volumes. Volume I A-L
📘 About This Book
This work, first published in 1968, presents the fabulous world of Hinduism in its entirety in two volumes. It is the first general encyclopedia of Hinduism covering every major aspect of Hindu life and thought, embodying the results of modern scholarship yet not ignoring the traditional point of view. It contains over 700 articles, each of which gives a comprehensive account of the subject, and by a system of cross references interlinks all topics related to it, so that a single theme may be traced in all its ramifications through the whole book. An index of over 8,000 items, which in itself forms a veritable treasury of Sanskrit terms and names, will further assist the researcher finding their way among the lesser topics treated in the work.
📖 Summary
Benjamin Walker's Hindu World, spanning 626 pages across its two-volume structure, serves as a monumental general encyclopedia dedicated to exploring the vast and intricate tradition of Hinduism in its entirety. First published in 1968 and later reissued in 2019, this comprehensive reference work meticulously covers every major aspect of Hindu life, thought, culture, and history. The book bridges the gap between contemporary academic inquiry and traditional viewpoints, ensuring that readers receive a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective on one of the world's oldest living religions. At the heart of the work are over 700 detailed articles, each crafted to provide a thorough and exhaustive account of specific subjects, ranging from foundational philosophical concepts to lesser-known cultural practices. What sets this encyclopedia apart is its sophisticated system of cross-references, which artfully interlinks related topics. This architectural design allows researchers and enthusiasts to trace a single theme through all its diverse ramifications and interconnected expressions across the entire span of the book. Furthermore, the work features an expansive index containing over 8,000 items, transforming the backmatter into a veritable treasury of Sanskrit terms, proper names, and specialized terminology. This meticulous indexing system is specifically tailored to assist scholars and serious researchers in navigating the finer nuances and lesser topics treated within the volumes. Whether one is examining complex metaphysical doctrines, mythological narratives, social structures, or daily rituals, Hindu World provides an indispensable roadmap through the fabulous and multifaceted universe of Hindu civilization, making complex traditional ideas accessible while maintaining scholarly rigor.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a thorough and comprehensive overview of Hindu life and thought.
Combines modern scholarly results with traditional perspectives.
Features an extensive cross-reference system to connect related themes.
Includes a massive index with over 8,000 Sanskrit terms and names.
⚠️ Cons
May be too dense and academic for casual readers looking for light introductions.
Originally written decades ago, meaning it reflects mid-twentieth-century scholarship perspectives.
❓ FAQ
What is Hindu World by Benjamin Walker? +
It is a comprehensive two-volume general encyclopedia covering every major aspect of Hindu life and thought.
When was the book originally published? +
The work was first published in 1968, with subsequent editions like the 2019 release.
How many articles are included in the encyclopedia? +
The work contains over 700 comprehensive articles detailing various subjects related to Hinduism.
Does the book feature cross-referencing? +
Yes, a system of cross-references interlinks all related topics so readers can trace single themes throughout the book.
How many items are in the index? +
The index contains over 8,000 items, acting as a treasury of Sanskrit terms and names.
