Concise Classified Dictionary of Hinduism (In 6 Volumes)

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 every aspect of life: religious, philosophic, social economic, literary, artistic…. 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, inevitable, 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: Volumess2-5, sets out Sanskrit and Vernacular words/terms/phrases: in Romanized letters, with their meanings/explanations in easy-to-understand English. Classifying the entire vocabulary 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 I, 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/s photographs and lie-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.