Hinduism and Modernity

The book opens with a preface in which David Smith explains that the work emerged from an academic concern with modernity and postmodernity, and that his aim is to present Hinduism in relation to modernity. He defines modernity not simply as “modern times,” but as the theorization of modern times, associated with rationalization, the autonomous individual, capitalism, and the nation-state. Hinduism is presented as a major example of tradition, ancient in origin yet still active in the lives of a large part of the world’s population. The book is divided into four parts: “Hinduism and Modernity Explained,” “Hinduism for Others,” “Hinduism Contrasted with Modernity,” and “Hinduism Today.” Its chapters discuss modernity and Hinduism, the image of the Juggernaut, ancient and modern Hinduism, Islam and Hinduism, European discovery of Hinduism, Orientalism, gender, Kālī, Hindu gods and modern idols, the Self, gurus, Hindu nationalism, and Hinduism’s global future.