An ideal resource for courses on Hinduism or world religions, this accessible volume spans the entire field of Hindu studies. It provides a forum for the best scholars in the world to make their views and research available to a wider audience.

• Comprehensively covers the textual traditions of Hinduism
  
• Includes material on Hindu folk religions and stresses the importance of region in analyzing Hinduism
  
• Reflects the current move away from essentialist understandings of Hinduism towards tradition and regional-specific studies
  
• Features four coherent sections covering theoretical issues, textual traditions, science and philosophy, and Hindu society and politics.