Religion in India: A Historical Introduction

good

This is a good introductory text for religion and culture of India. Offering some historical depth from the ancient period to modern times, Clothey's book is outstanding for its inclusive approach. There is information not only on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam (as would be expected), but also on Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity in India. His overviews of these religions or their presence in India are dependably concise and informative. For new students the text will offer a rich and comprehensive introduction. One might only object that there are so many names and terms dropped that the text begins to be too captivated by the bewildering diversity of India, and strays somewhat from the purpose of a concise, thematic introduction. That said, I think this is a fine text and will remain and important resource for beginning students of Indian religious and cultural history for many years. Clothey obviously has an extensive repertoire of knowledge which he draws upon. (p.s. I was a former student of Clothey's so perhaps I am biased, but this is good work)

I had to purchase this book for a class I’m taking. I love the beautiful pictures and it is very informative.