A Dictionary Of HINDUISM (Its Mythology, Folklore and Development 1500 BC-AD 1500)

About the Book

This encyclopaedic 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-heading with their English equivalents, explanations and etymology. An index of English subject 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 term with 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.

About the Author

Margaret and James Stutley retired over twenty years ago to north Wales to pursue their studies. Before that the late James Stutley had been an Oriental bookseller and lecturer on Chinese art. Margaret Stutley is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, and her Publication include Ancient Indian Magic and Folklore (New Delhi, 2000) and An Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography (London, 1985).

The need for a new Dictionary of Hinduism that would meet the requirements of the modem student and general reader has long been recognized. The attempt to meet this need has been for us an exacting but interesting task during the past twenty years.

Now that it is over we wish to thank those who have directly contributed to its completion, and those who have indirectly done so through the media of their translations and commentaries, from which we have quoted, such quotations being acknowledged in foot- notes. But to those who, during the early stages of our task gave much practical help, we tender special thanks. They include Miss LB. Homer, Professor P.S. Jaini, Colonel E.F.J. Payne, and Mr: A.H. Prior .

We wish to thank also the Hon. Editor of Folklore for permission to use part of the entry entitled 'Asvamedha', contributed to Folklore, vol. 80, Winter 1969.