The Religions of India : A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths, 9780144000586 By Roshen Dalal - Penguin Books India
A link to the book at the Penguin website
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths by Roshen Dalal [2nd ed., Penguin, 2010].
Religion is an integral part of life in India, where nine major religions, along with several other beliefs, co-exist with the highest and most complex philosophies. The nine religions are: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Bahai, Judaism, Zoroastrianism.
Each religion is equally vast, but in this book the nine religions and other miscellaneous beliefs have been dealt with approximately proportionate to the number of their followers, and their significance and antiquity within India. For worldwide religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism, apart from some basic principles, the emphasis is on the specific nature of the religion within India. For Buddhism, which originated in India but then spread to other parts of the world, the focus is on its origin, growth and decline within India, and its re-introduction in the last two centuries.
The book is organised in alphabetical order and lists are provided of the entries pertaining to each religion. .Hinduism is the most widely prevalent religion, practised in most parts of India. It has a wide variety of beliefs and practices, with some common underlying concepts. In India, even adherents of other religions, accept some of its basic principles such as Karma and reincarnation. Included within the broad framework of Hinduism, are the six ancient philosophies of Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Yoga, Samkhya and Vedanta.
Jainism has ancient origins, but in its present form emerged in the sixth century BCE. With its emphasis on non-violence and asceticism, and its unique method of philosophical analysis, it has an important role in India.
Buddhism originated in India, and after a period of decline, has begun to revive. It spread to different parts of the world, and the Buddhism of Tibet has returned to India over the last fifty years. Buddhist concepts of compassion and social equality are important in the India of today, while the visual imagery and esoteric philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism are slowly becoming known.
Islam was known in India from the seventh century, but gained prominence with the advent of Islamic kings and dynasties. Sufis and other saints of Islamic origin are revered by all communities, and the influence of Islam can be seen in some of the sects of medieval days. There were once a number of syncretic cults, particularly in rural areas, where the differences between Islam and Hinduism were blurred, and even today some of these continue to exist.
Sikhism originally arose in the fifteenth century with aspects of both Hinduism and Islam, though it gradually grew closer to Hinduism. The concept of a formless God, and of an active life in the world, rather than an ascetic life of retreat, are among its many contributions.
Christianity is said to have existed in India from the first century CE, but became more widespread after the sixteenth century. Its emphasis on helping and serving disadvantaged groups, has had an impact on India, with other religious groups incorporating these principles.
Judaism is thought to have been in India from ancient days. After 1948, most of the Jews migrated to Israel. However, new groups are emerging, claiming Jewish ancestry.
Bahai became prominent in the twentieth century. Though official figures do not reflect this, the largest number of Bahais in any country in the world, are said to be in India.
Zoroastrianism, despite the small number of followers, is important for two reasons. Firstly, there are similarities between the Gathas, the earliest Zoroastrian text, and the Rig Veda. Secondly, after the migration of Zoroastrians to India in the eighth century and later, India is the country where Zoroastrian beliefs and practices are best preserved.
Tribal religions are many and varied, and only a small sample could be included in this book. They are not so different from the major religions, each believing in a creator god or a creator couple, and incorporating myths and stories on the creation of the world.
Other: There are other systems of belief and philosophies, materialistic schools of thought, ancient sects that no longer exist, and modern philosophers who cannot be placed in any category.
The book looks at several different aspects of these religions and beliefs, including sacred geography, animals, birds and other creatures, places, religious monuments, ideas concepts and terms, deities, religious texts, legends and myths, festivals, saints and gurus.
To sum up, this book provides information on all the main religions in India, some aspects of tribal belief and worship, and new and old philosophies. It reflects the underlying unity of all religions.
Each religion is equally vast, but in this book the nine religions and other miscellaneous beliefs have been dealt with approximately proportionate to the number of their followers, and their significance and antiquity within India. For worldwide religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism, apart from some basic principles, the emphasis is on the specific nature of the religion within India. For Buddhism, which originated in India but then spread to other parts of the world, the focus is on its origin, growth and decline within India, and its re-introduction in the last two centuries.
The book is organised in alphabetical order and lists are provided of the entries pertaining to each religion. .Hinduism is the most widely prevalent religion, practised in most parts of India. It has a wide variety of beliefs and practices, with some common underlying concepts. In India, even adherents of other religions, accept some of its basic principles such as Karma and reincarnation. Included within the broad framework of Hinduism, are the six ancient philosophies of Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Yoga, Samkhya and Vedanta.
Jainism has ancient origins, but in its present form emerged in the sixth century BCE. With its emphasis on non-violence and asceticism, and its unique method of philosophical analysis, it has an important role in India.
Buddhism originated in India, and after a period of decline, has begun to revive. It spread to different parts of the world, and the Buddhism of Tibet has returned to India over the last fifty years. Buddhist concepts of compassion and social equality are important in the India of today, while the visual imagery and esoteric philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism are slowly becoming known.
Islam was known in India from the seventh century, but gained prominence with the advent of Islamic kings and dynasties. Sufis and other saints of Islamic origin are revered by all communities, and the influence of Islam can be seen in some of the sects of medieval days. There were once a number of syncretic cults, particularly in rural areas, where the differences between Islam and Hinduism were blurred, and even today some of these continue to exist.
Sikhism originally arose in the fifteenth century with aspects of both Hinduism and Islam, though it gradually grew closer to Hinduism. The concept of a formless God, and of an active life in the world, rather than an ascetic life of retreat, are among its many contributions.
Christianity is said to have existed in India from the first century CE, but became more widespread after the sixteenth century. Its emphasis on helping and serving disadvantaged groups, has had an impact on India, with other religious groups incorporating these principles.
Judaism is thought to have been in India from ancient days. After 1948, most of the Jews migrated to Israel. However, new groups are emerging, claiming Jewish ancestry.
Bahai became prominent in the twentieth century. Though official figures do not reflect this, the largest number of Bahais in any country in the world, are said to be in India.
Zoroastrianism, despite the small number of followers, is important for two reasons. Firstly, there are similarities between the Gathas, the earliest Zoroastrian text, and the Rig Veda. Secondly, after the migration of Zoroastrians to India in the eighth century and later, India is the country where Zoroastrian beliefs and practices are best preserved.
Tribal religions are many and varied, and only a small sample could be included in this book. They are not so different from the major religions, each believing in a creator god or a creator couple, and incorporating myths and stories on the creation of the world.
Other: There are other systems of belief and philosophies, materialistic schools of thought, ancient sects that no longer exist, and modern philosophers who cannot be placed in any category.
The book looks at several different aspects of these religions and beliefs, including sacred geography, animals, birds and other creatures, places, religious monuments, ideas concepts and terms, deities, religious texts, legends and myths, festivals, saints and gurus.
To sum up, this book provides information on all the main religions in India, some aspects of tribal belief and worship, and new and old philosophies. It reflects the underlying unity of all religions.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Puffin History of India vol 2, 1947-The Present by Roshen Dalal [Penguin India, 2003], pages: 427.
This book looks at the history of India after independence, and takes the story up to 2003.
List of chapters
1. Republic Day
2. Freedom at last
3. Political conditions--1947
4. The Indian states
5. Integration
6. Partition -- the origins
7. Partition -- the reality
8. Administrative division
9. Building a new country
10. The first eventful year
11. The spirit will survive
12. Towards a republic -- 1948-50
13. Integration -- the second stage
14. A new phase -- the constitution
15. The government
16. The parliament
17. The union executive
18. Government in the states
19. The administrators
20. The judiciary
21. The first elections
22. The main events -- 1950 -57
23. The main events -- 1957 -62
24. Internal development 1947- 1964
25. Vinoba Bhave and Bhudan
26. Foreign policy 1947-64
27. Nehru’s last years
28. Lal Bahadur Shastri
29. Indira Gandhi -- the early years
30. Indira takes control
31. Bangladesh
32. The centre and the states: 1966-75
33. Jayaprakash Narayan
34. The Emergency
35. Janata government 1977-79
36. Indira Gandhi 1980-84
37. Internal development: 1966-1984
38. Foreign policy 1966-1984
39. Rajiv Gandhi
40. Internal development under Rajiv
41. Rajiv Gandhi -- foreign policy
42. Minority governments -- 1989-90
43. Narasimha Rao -- 1991-96
44. Foreign policy --1991-96
45. A new government: 1996-98
46. The Bharatiya Janata Party
47. The National Democratic Alliance
48. The National Democratic Alliance again
49. Foreign policy - after 1998
50. The States
51. The People: 1947-2002
52. Economy and Development
53. Social Change
54. Art and Culture
55. The Future
Appendices
List of chapters
1. Republic Day
2. Freedom at last
3. Political conditions--1947
4. The Indian states
5. Integration
6. Partition -- the origins
7. Partition -- the reality
8. Administrative division
9. Building a new country
10. The first eventful year
11. The spirit will survive
12. Towards a republic -- 1948-50
13. Integration -- the second stage
14. A new phase -- the constitution
15. The government
16. The parliament
17. The union executive
18. Government in the states
19. The administrators
20. The judiciary
21. The first elections
22. The main events -- 1950 -57
23. The main events -- 1957 -62
24. Internal development 1947- 1964
25. Vinoba Bhave and Bhudan
26. Foreign policy 1947-64
27. Nehru’s last years
28. Lal Bahadur Shastri
29. Indira Gandhi -- the early years
30. Indira takes control
31. Bangladesh
32. The centre and the states: 1966-75
33. Jayaprakash Narayan
34. The Emergency
35. Janata government 1977-79
36. Indira Gandhi 1980-84
37. Internal development: 1966-1984
38. Foreign policy 1966-1984
39. Rajiv Gandhi
40. Internal development under Rajiv
41. Rajiv Gandhi -- foreign policy
42. Minority governments -- 1989-90
43. Narasimha Rao -- 1991-96
44. Foreign policy --1991-96
45. A new government: 1996-98
46. The Bharatiya Janata Party
47. The National Democratic Alliance
48. The National Democratic Alliance again
49. Foreign policy - after 1998
50. The States
51. The People: 1947-2002
52. Economy and Development
53. Social Change
54. Art and Culture
55. The Future
Appendices
The Puffin History of India vol I, from 3000 BC to 1947 by Roshen Dalal [ Penguin India, 2002]. Pages: 404.
About this book: This book was first published in 1997, with the title, A History of India for Children. It was substantially revised for the new paperback edition of 2002. I plan a further revision next year.
Though this book is primarily for young people, and can be read by a 10+ age group, it is suitable as an introduction to India’s history for people of all ages. It can be read from cover to cover, or can be used to look up topics of interest. The book actually begins with the geological history of India, and goes on to the stone age, much earlier than 3000 BC, which was chosen as a convenient date for the title. A key aspect of the book is that it provides equal emphasis to the history of south India. When I next revise the book I plan to include more on eastern India. I also plan a revision of chapters 2-9, in based on new discoveries and research, and on my intensive reading for a book I am currently writing, on the Vedas.
The chapters in the book are listed below:
1.India --Our Land
2. The First People
3. Village Life
4. The Indus Valley Civilization: An Urban Revolution
5. Village Life in Other Parts of India
6. The Rig Vedic Aryans
7. The Later Vedic Period
8. Archaeology and the Vedic Period
9. Megalithic Cultures
10. The Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha
11. New Religious Sects between 600 and 400 BC.
12. Alexander
13. The Mauryas
14. North India after the Mauryas
15. The Kushanas
16. The Satavahanas
17. Kingdoms of the South
18. Towns and Trade: 200 BC-AD 300
19. The Guptas
20. The Deccan and South India
21. Harshavardhana
22. Northern India between AD 700 and 1200
23. Some Other Kingdoms of the North
24. Life in the Northern Kingdoms
25. South India between AD 600 and 1200
26. India in AD 1200
27. Ghazni and Ghur
28. The First Sultans of Delhi
29. The Khaljis and the Tughlaqs
30. The Sayyids and the Lodis
31. Some Independent States
32. Life at the Time of the Sultanate --Ad 1200-1500
33. The Bahmani and Vijayanagara Kingdoms
34. The Early Mughals
35. Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan
36. Aurangzeb and the Decline of the Mughals
37. Life in Mughal India
38. The Marathas and the Sikhs
39. Other Independent States
40. Major Religious Developments between AD 1200 and 1750.
41. The Europeans Arrive
42. The British Expansion and Conquest
43. Further Expansion --From Wellesley to Dalhousie
44. Administrative, Economic and Social Changes.
45. Art and Culture --1750-1857
46. Early Indian Reformers
47. The Revolt of 1857
48. The Indian States
49. The Rise of Nationalism
50. The Moderates and the Extremists
51. The Later Reformers
52. The Muslim League
53. Art and Culture After 1858.
54. Social Change in the Twentieth Century
55. New Political Trends between 1908 and 1919.
56. Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Cooperation
57. The Intermediate Years-- 1922-1929
58. Civil Disobedience---1930-1934
59. The First Indian Government
60. India during the Second World War
61. India before Independence
62. The Last Phase --1945-1947
Though this book is primarily for young people, and can be read by a 10+ age group, it is suitable as an introduction to India’s history for people of all ages. It can be read from cover to cover, or can be used to look up topics of interest. The book actually begins with the geological history of India, and goes on to the stone age, much earlier than 3000 BC, which was chosen as a convenient date for the title. A key aspect of the book is that it provides equal emphasis to the history of south India. When I next revise the book I plan to include more on eastern India. I also plan a revision of chapters 2-9, in based on new discoveries and research, and on my intensive reading for a book I am currently writing, on the Vedas.
The chapters in the book are listed below:
1.India --Our Land
2. The First People
3. Village Life
4. The Indus Valley Civilization: An Urban Revolution
5. Village Life in Other Parts of India
6. The Rig Vedic Aryans
7. The Later Vedic Period
8. Archaeology and the Vedic Period
9. Megalithic Cultures
10. The Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha
11. New Religious Sects between 600 and 400 BC.
12. Alexander
13. The Mauryas
14. North India after the Mauryas
15. The Kushanas
16. The Satavahanas
17. Kingdoms of the South
18. Towns and Trade: 200 BC-AD 300
19. The Guptas
20. The Deccan and South India
21. Harshavardhana
22. Northern India between AD 700 and 1200
23. Some Other Kingdoms of the North
24. Life in the Northern Kingdoms
25. South India between AD 600 and 1200
26. India in AD 1200
27. Ghazni and Ghur
28. The First Sultans of Delhi
29. The Khaljis and the Tughlaqs
30. The Sayyids and the Lodis
31. Some Independent States
32. Life at the Time of the Sultanate --Ad 1200-1500
33. The Bahmani and Vijayanagara Kingdoms
34. The Early Mughals
35. Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan
36. Aurangzeb and the Decline of the Mughals
37. Life in Mughal India
38. The Marathas and the Sikhs
39. Other Independent States
40. Major Religious Developments between AD 1200 and 1750.
41. The Europeans Arrive
42. The British Expansion and Conquest
43. Further Expansion --From Wellesley to Dalhousie
44. Administrative, Economic and Social Changes.
45. Art and Culture --1750-1857
46. Early Indian Reformers
47. The Revolt of 1857
48. The Indian States
49. The Rise of Nationalism
50. The Moderates and the Extremists
51. The Later Reformers
52. The Muslim League
53. Art and Culture After 1858.
54. Social Change in the Twentieth Century
55. New Political Trends between 1908 and 1919.
56. Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Cooperation
57. The Intermediate Years-- 1922-1929
58. Civil Disobedience---1930-1934
59. The First Indian Government
60. India during the Second World War
61. India before Independence
62. The Last Phase --1945-1947
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