Hindu World (Routledge Library Editions: Hinduism) - Essential

In this review of Hindu World the reviewer finds a comprehensive two-volume reference for students, scholars and general readers seeking a single, interconnected survey of Hinduism. The book's biggest reason to buy is its scope and cross-referencing: over 700 articles and an index of more than 8,000 entries make it a practical research companion for tracing themes across ritual, philosophy and literature. This edition balances modern scholarship with traditional viewpoints, so it serves both academic inquiry and informed personal study.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: More than 700 articles provide detailed accounts of festivals, deities, rites and philosophical schools so readers can find in-depth entries on major topics.
• Two-volume format: The two-volume set separates material in a manageable way, allowing easier reference and study without flipping through a single massive volume.
• Cross-referenced entries: Systematic cross references link related topics so a single theme can be followed through multiple articles for broader context.
• Extensive index: An index of over 8,000 items offers a dense directory of Sanskrit terms and names to aid targeted research and quick lookup.
• Balanced perspective: Combines results of modern scholarship with traditional points of view, making entries useful to both academic and lay readers.

Who It's For

This set is best for university students, researchers and independent learners who need a single-volume-style encyclopedia that still spans the full breadth of Hindu life and thought. Its cross-references and large index particularly benefit anyone tracing the development of a theme across rituals, texts and regional practices.

Those seeking a brief introduction or a pocket guide should look elsewhere; the two-volume, article-rich format is intended for sustained study and reference rather than a quick primer for casual reading.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive article collection provides comprehensive subject coverage for study and citation.
• Cross-referencing structure helps readers trace topics through related entries and contexts.
• The large index is a valuable research tool for locating Sanskrit terms and lesser topics.

Cons

• The two-volume reference is dense and better suited to study than casual browsing.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Hindu World is a durable reference purchase for anyone who needs an encyclopedic, cross-referenced treatment of Hinduism that respects both scholarly and traditional viewpoints. Its breadth and index make it good value for students and researchers who will use it as a steady reference on rituals, terms and texts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set cover both ritual practice and philosophy?
Yes. Entries address rituals, deities, customs and the major philosophical schools, with cross references to related topics.

Is the content scholarly or introductory?
The work embodies modern scholarship while retaining traditional perspectives, so it sits between introductory and scholarly treatment and is most useful for study and research.

How extensive is the index?
The index includes over 8,000 items, serving as a detailed lookup for names and Sanskrit terms.