Synopses & Reviews
Since 1958 one of the most important and widely used texts on civilization in South Asia (now the nation-states of India, Pakstan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal), this classic is now extensively revised, with much new material added. Introductory essays explain the particular settings in which leading Indian thinkers have expressed their ideas about religious, social, political, and economic questions. Brief summaries precede each passage from their writings or sayings.
Chapters address the opening of India to the West; Hindu and Muslim social and religious reform movements; the emergence of both moderate and extremist nationalisms; the thought of Mahatma Gandhi; public policies for independent India; Pakistan's formation as an Islamic state, and other topics.
Review
"For over thirty years, anyone seriously interested in India has always had to keep a copy of this classic within arm's reach. Sources of Indian Tradition is so useful as a reference work, sourcebook, or textbook that it has been indispensible to scholars all over the world." Robert Eric Frykenberg, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Review
"This is a serious, careful, dependable book, broader and more varied even than the old Sources... The new translations are always sound, often charming, and occasionally quite brilliant. This is the primary study of Indian civilization." Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty, University of Chicago
Synopsis
Since 1958 one of the most important and widely used texts on civilization in South Asia (now the nation-states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal), this classic is now extensively revised, with much new material added. Introductory essays explain the particular settings in which leading Indian thinkers have expressed their ideas about religious, social, political, and economic questions. Brief summaries precede each passage from their writings or sayings.
About the Author
Stephen Hay is Associate Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His previous works include Asian Ideas of East and West and Dialogue Between a Theist and an Idolator (edited).