South Asia is home to many of the world's most vibrant religious faiths. It is also one of the most dynamic and historically rich regions on earth; where changing political and social structures have caused religions to interact and hybridise in unique ways. This textbook introduces the contemporary religions of South Asia; from the indigenous religions such as the Hindu; Jain; Buddhist and Sikh traditions; to incoming influences such as Christianity; Judaism and Islam. In ten chapters; it surveys the nine leading belief systems of South Asia and explains their history; practices; values and worldviews. A final chapter helps students relate what they have learnt to religious theory; paving the way for future study. Written by leading experts; Religions of South Asia combines solid scholarship with clear and lively writing to provide students with an accessible and comprehensive introduction. All chapters are specially designed to aid cross-religious comparison; following a standard format covering set topics and issues; the book reveals to students the core principles of each faith; compares it to neighbouring traditions; and its particular place in South Asian history and society. It is a perfect resource for all students of South Asia's diverse and fascinating faiths.
#1175413 in Books 1978-10-07 1978-10-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.63 x .55 x 5.56l; .74 #File Name: 0415059143240 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A magnificent tour through the most important centuries of Muslim ...By John E. Greenbacker; Jr.A magnificent tour through the most important centuries of Muslim development; from the time of the prophet through 1200. A must read.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A lot of history compressed into a single volumeBy JRAfter reading A History of Medieval Islam I know much more about the subject. Although I read a lot of history; this book covers so many years and so many dynasties that at times fatigue would set in. There was not enough detail to make some epochs distinct from others. That is unavoidable in a single volume; and it did a good enough job as a survey to furnish me with ideas for further readings.It feels a little dated as the author uses "race" as a descriptor: the Arab race; the Turkish race; etc. Not offensive; but you just don't see that kind of terminology in recent history books.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Early IslamBy William Garrison Jr.From the Dust Jacket: "This is an introduction to the history of the Muslim East from the rise of Islam to the Mongol conqusts. It explains and indicates the main trends of Islamic historical evolution during the Middle Ages; and will help the non-Orientalist to understand something of the relationship between Islam and Christendom in those centuries. Mr. Saunders discusses the mission of Muhammad; the Arab conqusts; the rise and decline of the empire of the Caliphs; the Isma'ilian schism and the Fatimid anti-Caliphate. He also deals with the coming of the Seljuk Turks; the Crusades and the Mongol invasions; and the character of the great Arabic civilization which led the world for so long and contributed to the Renaissance of Western Europe. The author expressly concentrates on general trends and patterns of evolution; but has nevertheless managed to convey a great deal of factual information as well as evaluation and interpretation. A distinctly clearer picture of the period as a whole and its significance in world history emerges from this book than from larger and more detailed works..." Contents include: Glossary; Dates; Arabia and her neighbors; Prophet; First conquests; Civil wars; Arab Empire; Abbasid Revolution; Breakup of the Caliphate; Isma'ilian Schism; Turkish irruption; Christian counter-attack; Mongol disaster; Civilization of Medieval Islam; Index." Illustrations include: 6 maps.
