About the Book
Book: Hindu Studies: Foundations and Frameworks
Author: Nandini Sahu
Publisher: Authorspress
Price: Rs 1,195
Hindu Studies: Foundations and Frameworks offers an inclusive, interdisciplinary exploration of Hinduism’s cultural, philosophical and social dimensions, says SHALEEN KUMAR SINGH
The book “Hindu Studies: Foundations and Frameworks” by Nandini Sahu, published by Authorspress in Delhi, presents an inclusive and forward-progressive perception of the advancing academic field of Hindu Studies. By plunging into the literary, philosophical, cultural and social aspects of Hinduism, the book surpasses a singular perspective and instead assumes an interdisciplinary framework. The ambitious breadth and complexity of the book are evident in Sahu’s effort to interweave various academic fields, including religion, sociology, anthropology, art history, and literature, among others.
The book is carefully structured into ten parts, each delving into different aspects of Hindu Studies. Her analysis is both thorough and extensive, initiating with an introduction to the field of study and progressing to an analysis of Hindu scriptures and settings. The book delivers a comprehensive basis for understanding the fundamental scriptures of Hinduism, including the four Vedas and the works linked with them, as well as the Epics, Puranas, and Smriti literature. Furthermore, Sahu’s discussion of Hindu philosophical traditions, such as Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta, demonstrates a sophisticated engagement with Hindu philosophy’s intricate metaphysical and epistemological disputes.
Hindu Studies: Foundations and Frameworks is a rigorous and broad investigation of the many factors of Hinduism.By employing a variety of research methods, the book offers a deeper understanding of the complexity of Hinduism, making it a relevant and engaging read for scholars and practitioners.
“Hindu Studies” is an interdisciplinary field that intersects with anthropology, sociology, history and religious studies. The book argues that this study goes beyond historical or theological examination, encompassing contemporary issues such as the influence of Hinduism on global politics, the diaspora and modern religious groups. By blending traditional and contemporary ideas, the book initiates a dialogue between Hinduism and other global faiths, creating a comparative framework crucial for interfaith discourse.
The chapters that dive into the lived experiences of Hindu devotion and the cultural representations of religion are equally captivating. These chapters are devoted to Hindu ceremonies, customs, and traditions. The presence of Sahu’s focus on regional variants and vernacular traditions contributes to the enrichment of the discourse by drawing attention to Hinduism’s heterogeneous and dynamic character.
The work is exceptional in its methodological rigour, one of its most remarkable aspects. Using comparative models, historical gradient analysis, and ethnographic research, Sahu establishes Hindu Studies as a science founded on scientific principles. In order to evaluate and analyse Hinduism not only as a religious belief system but also as a cultural and historical phenomenon, Sahu uses the theoretical foundation of Cultural Materialism as a continuous thread.
It is both relevant and vital for Sahu to focus on the social and ethical knowledge systems that are part of Hinduism, especially in relation to caste, gender, and the dynamics of society. The critical debate on class, caste, and gender reveals the socio-political components of Hinduism, hence challenging the narratives that are often linked with the tradition of Hinduism. Sahu’s critical analysis of these aspects provides a deeper understanding of the social and ethical structures within Hinduism.
In the final sections of this book, Sahu investigates what modernity and Hinduism have to offer each other and how the role of Hinduism in a multilateral context is changing. It is a critical examination of how Hinduism has responded to the challenges posed by modernity without losing its fundamental identity. The discussion of Hindu art, architecture, and iconography illustrates even more the extent to which the religion has influenced Indian artistic traditions during this timeframe.
Her inquiry into the global reach of Hinduism through diasporic movements, engagement with interfaith dialogues, and interaction with Western intellectual traditions illustrates how Hinduism has transcended regional and cultural boundaries. The subsequent chapter, “Navigating New Frontiers,” is the most argument-rich in terms of content because it shows us the newer paradigms emerging in Hindu Studies. Sahu at least has the matter of stretching the limits of traditional research on her side-she is considering what possibilities and tensions exist in the field. This is part of current academic debates around decolonising knowledge systems and assimilating dialogue between cultures, as her essay calls for a more muscular and democratic engagement with Hindu Studies.
The findings are categorised thematically, geographically, and textually. Analysis of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata shows their deeper connection with Indian culture and ethos. Bhakti literature highlights the role of devotional movements in reshaping regional cultures. Puranic literature relates myths and stories, bridging the ancient with the modern.
Nandini Sahu has produced a landmark volume that provides the foundation for the discipline of Hindu Studies and proposes an innovative conceptual grid for future scholarship in the field. The name of this work is “Hindu Studies: Foundations and Frameworks.” This book presents an interdisciplinary approach, methodological rigour, and critical engagement with the complex socio-cultural concerns replete with the issues at stake.
Sahu’s deft balancing act between scholarly depth and accessible prose ensures that the book will be valuable to academic and popular audiences. In this way, she highlights the importance of Hindu Studies in contemporary academia and beyond. The fact that this work uses the examples noted above is a compliment to Sahu’s intellectual brilliance and her persistent desire to move the discourse forward in an increasingly globalised world with special reference to Hinduism.
Much of the book deals with the Sanskritic tradition, portraying its centrality in Indian forms of knowledge. Details of contributions and development in Sanskrit grammar by Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali have been recorded and comprise a solid foundation for India’s linguistic and philosophical discipline. Sanskrit, described as the “foundation of Indian epistemology,” is represented as a language of unmatched precision and beauty that lies at the heart of understanding Hindu thought. The book deserves serious attention from scholars and critics.
About the Reviewer:
Shaleen Kumar Singh (shaleensingh.in) teaches English at Swami Shukdevanad College,Shahjahanpur,India,edits creativesaplings.in an online journal and can be contacted at shaleen@sscollegespn.ac.in
