The Sadhus and Indian Civilisation

A proper understanding of the social organisation of the Hindu civilization would be incomplete without an adequate study of the complementary organisation of the Ascetics (Sadhus), not only as an ideal model but as real organisations operating on the ground. The present empirical study focuses on : Asceticism and Ascetics: origin and development; Vaishnavism: origin and growth; Ascetic life: from Diksha to Saketvas; Ayodhya- the city of Rama; Ascetic organisation of Vaishnavas at Ayodhya; Ascetic organisation and their patronage; Interaction between Sadhu and householders; and Ascetic organisation and force of change. Students and scholars in the field of Religion and philosophy and sociology will find this book most useful and informative.