Hinduism and Modernity by David Smith

One among the numerous salient features ofHinduism and Modernity.
Hinduism is the absence of any compulsion on itsNehru, first Prime minister of independent India was
followers to carry out or refrain from any specificmoved by Buddha statue at Anuradhapura, Ceylon,
religious duty. Full freedom is given to them tobut said that, "Some famous temples in South India,
function within the parameters of the Law ofheavy with carving and detail disturb me and fill me
Righteousness. Hence it will be difficult for a foreignerwith unease."
to understand this religion. With 33 crores deities toThe author points out that, "It is precisely this
worship one may wonder whom the Hindu wouldunease that lies between modernity and Hinduism,
choose and worship.this inability to understand Hinduism on the part of
David Smith, the author of this book has collected allmodernity. Harrow -and-Cambridge educated Nehru
the details of Hinduism. It is surprising that he has notshrinks before the rich specificity of the Hindu divine."
omitted even a small story or anecdote which will beIn four parts via Hinduism and Modernity Explained,
of help to him to put forth his point of view.Hinduism for others, Hinduism contrasted with
He is quoting a story with regard to the pilgrimageModernity and Hinduism Today, David Smith presents
site, Palani, South India. After losing the contest forthe comprehensive survey of Hinduism in relation to
Mango, when Ganesha wins the race round the worldmodernity The 250 pages book is innovative and
by simply walking round his mother and father,informative. It offers a dynamic analysis of Hinduism
Skanda out of pique goes off to the far south, Palaniin the perspective of western notions of modernity.
to practice austerities, and his father Siva concedesDavid Smith is Reader in Indian Religions at Lancaster
that he is the real victor and his true heir, by punningUniversity, USA.
on Palani and palam (meaning fruit) (palam/Palani).Students of Hinduism and those who are interested
The author refers Jawaharlal Nehru and explainsin the sociology of religion will have to buy this book.