Religion in modern India
- New Delhi Vikas Publication House Pvt . Ltd. 1983
- v. 5, 422p
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.