"I ecided to use this text as soon as I read it, and we have used it this term. The previous texts on Hinduism received criticism from the students in formal assessments. This year's class has very much liked Classical Hinduism, finding it readable and informative. The students have been more favorable to the course this year at least in part due to this text."―Prescott A. Rogers, cademy of the New Church College
"The best brief introduction that I have seen. Basham coers all the essential material and much more. His style is wonderfully fluid and personal."―James Mayhall, University of Missouri-St. Louis
"Best work on the subject. Simple and scholarly."―S. N. Desai, St. John's University
"Clear and lucid, and it is enhanced by wonderful examples...of Hindu art. A useful introduction to the field."―Choice
"Provides an insight into what is the 'original' Hinduism....Basham will send many back with eager minds to the original texts."―The Independent Sunday (India)
"A fine book...a suitable introduction to Hinduism and to early Indic thought."―Willard Johnson, San Diego State University
"This book is a gem! Sometimes mildly controversial, it is never eccentric, and it provides, in lucid style, much of the information most likely to interest beginners."―Douglas A. Fox, Colorado College
"A concise, accurate and useful compilation of matrerials from one of the leading Indologists of our time."―Douglas R. Brooks, University of Rochester
"Reflects deep knowledge of the Hindu tradition―a complex religion made simpler."―S.N. Desai, St. John's University
"This is a lucid, comprehensive introduction to the essentials of classic Hinduism."―Bradley Nystrom, California State Univ., Sacramento
Arthur Basham (1914-86) was one of the world's foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture and religion. His account of the origins and development of classical Hinduism compiled and expanded posthumously, represents a lifetime of sturdy and reflection on the subject.
About the Author
The late A.L. Basham, a distinguished scholar of South Asia, was the author of many books, among them The Wonder That Was India, and The History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas.
Kenneth G. Zysk, a former student of Basham's, is Assistant Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Literature at New York University. His books include Asceticism and Healing in Ancient India (Oxford, 1991) and Religious Healing in the Veda (1985).