Hindu World (Routledge Library Editions: Hinduism) - Comprehensive

In this review of Hindu World (Routledge Library Editions: Hinduism) the reviewer finds a rare, encyclopedic resource ideal for students, researchers and knowledgeable readers seeking breadth and interconnection in Hindu studies. This two-volume work offers over 700 articles and a meticulous index, and the single biggest reason to buy is its encyclopedic scope that links topics by a dense system of cross-references, making it a research tool rather than a casual read. The tone here is evaluative: the book excels at reference depth while remaining grounded in both modern scholarship and traditional viewpoints.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: The set presents the world of Hinduism in its entirety, offering articles on every major aspect of Hindu life and thought to support broad study and reference.
• Extensive indexing: An index of over 8,000 items provides quick access to Sanskrit terms and names, which is particularly useful for academic research and cross-topic tracing.
• Cross-referenced entries: The internal system of cross references interlinks related topics so a reader can follow a single theme through multiple entries and volumes.
• Balanced perspective: The work embodies modern scholarship while respecting the traditional point of view, aiding readers who need both critical and classical angles.
• Article depth: With over 700 articles, each entry delivers a comprehensive account of its subject, useful for citation, background reading, and lecture preparation.

Who It's For

This two-volume set is best for university students, librarians, scholars and serious readers of religion who need a single reference that aggregates historical, doctrinal and cultural material on Hinduism. It is particularly strong for those tracing themes across rituals, texts and terms thanks to its cross-referencing and detailed index.

Readers looking for a beginner's primer, a short introduction to practice, or a pocket guide should look elsewhere; this work functions as an in-depth reference rather than a concise how-to or devotional handbook, and its scope is most valuable when used for study and research.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive breadth with over 700 entries allows comprehensive topic coverage for academic use.
• Large index of over 8,000 items makes locating specific Sanskrit terms and names efficient.
• Cross references help readers trace single themes across multiple entries and volumes for deeper understanding.

Cons

• The format is reference-oriented and not suited to casual or devotional reading, which limits its day-to-day accessibility for general readers.

Specifications

Title	Hindu World (Routledge Library Editions: Hinduism)
Author	Benjamin Walker
Format	Two-volume encyclopedia
Contents	Over 700 articles covering Hindu life and thought
Index	Index of over 8,000 items including Sanskrit terms and names
First published	1968

Our Verdict

This two-volume Hindu World is a strong value for students and researchers who require an authoritative, cross-referenced compendium of Hindu topics; its comprehensive entries and vast index make it a lasting reference on Hinduism even decades after first publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this work suitable for academic citation?
Yes. The entries are scholarly in tone and the volumes are designed as a research reference, making them appropriate for academic citation and background literature.

Does it cover primary texts such as the Upanishads?
The set treats major aspects of Hindu thought and life, which includes discussion and entries related to sacred writings and terms linked via cross references and the index.

Is the language accessible to non-specialists?
While informative, the tone is reference-oriented and assumes some prior familiarity with religious studies; casual readers may find it dense.