The Geography of Religion -Moriel: Hinduism

One of the four cradles of civilization, ancient India supported a thriving civilization that featured a network of cities carefully laid out in ordered grid patterns. Through thoughtful narrative supported by fully documented quotes this title begins with A Brief History of Ancient India and then examines these questions: What Part Did India's Early Cultures Play in the Birth of Hinduism? How Did Alexander's Invasion of India Alter Indian Culture? How Did Foreign Invasions Give Rise to India's Largest Empire? How Did One Indian Ruler Help Transform Buddhism into a World Religion?

Explains Hinduism, describing its origins and roots, as well as the late Vedic and Upanishadic periods. Discusses gods, religious devotion, and political and social change. Also describes the Hindu temple, Icons, and worship, as well as social duty and rites of passage.

Examines the religion of Hinduism focusing on its origins, historical development, sacred texts and persons. Also describes its ethical principles, death, and the afterlife. Also discusses its life in the community along with caste, gender, age, and piety and by practices that celebrate meditation, devotional singing, and dietary control.