Religion in modern India

Due to the onslaught of the processes of modernization, the national goal
of viable cultural synthesis in blending the traditional spirit of Hindu religion with the demands of
modern democracy has frequently been questioned. Hinduism assumes
that all religions teach the same essential truths and it espouses a strong tradition of freedom and
tolerance of religious diversity. Over the past several decades, empirical
studies have reflected upon the nature of Hinduism and its impact
on the ongoing changes in Indian society
The present volume, containing sixteen essays by well-known
American and Indian social scientists, reflects upon the trends not only
within Indian society but also outside India.
The essays are divided into four categories. The first deals with the
nature and emergent forms of religion, the second with popular
myths, rituals and symbolism, the third focuses on the most recent
work on mother goddess cults and the fourth on comparative and
adaptive aspects of religion.The studies taken as a whole
reveal religion as a regnant and dynamic force holding Indian society
together, adapting to changes without redically altering its
structure.