Dictionary of Hinduism: Its Mythology, Folklore and Development 1500 BC - AD 1500

This encyclopedic dictionary has proved indispensable for all those interested in Hinduism, whether specialist, student or general reader. The dictionary comprises about 2,500 romanised Sanskrit subject headings with their English equivalents, explanations and etymology. An index of English subjects with Sanskrit equivalents, and an extensive bibliography are appended. The dictionary indexes and describes the mythology, folklore, religion, philosophy, literature and history of Hinduism over a period of more than two and a half millennia, thus dispelling many commonly held misguided beliefs. It reveals much of the real significance of Hinduism, which many would say shows an unsurpassed continuity and genius for analysis and synthesis. Initially an attempt to come to terms with a man's physical environment and subsequently the mysterious world beyond it, Hinduism recognized energy to be the ultimate source of manifestation, as its horizon expanded. This comprehensive work provides an invaluable survey of the long vista of Hinduism.