A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

This book is a rare mixture of scholarly research and a sympathetic feel towards Hinduism and India.Every page has dozens of historical data and profound reseach.No wonder, that it is being used in many of the American universities like Rutgers in New Jersey and McGill in Canada.A must read for anybody interested in India and/or Hinduism

This encyclopedia certainly aims at comprehensive treatment of Hinduism; its articles range from the earliest legendary figures and texts of Hinduism to the present, and include a nice balance of different periods and regions, as well as doctrine. But it is also very frustrating to use as a resource---many entries are only one or two sentences, and just don't give enough information to be enlightening (besides not supplying any references for further reading). I found myself constantly wanting more.

This book is one of the best introductions to Hinduism. It will be ideal as a textbook in religion classes. Klostermaier has written a series of illuminating books on Hinduism and this is a worthy member of this wonderful set.