Hinduism and the Religious Arts (Religion and the Arts) [Paperback] Elgood, Heather

Product Description The roots between the Hindu religion and the wider culture are deep and uniquely complex. No study of either ancient or contemporary Indian culture can be undertaken without a clear understanding of Hindu visual arts and their sources in religious belief and practice. Defining what is meant by religion - no such term exists in Sanskrit - and what is understood by Hindu ideals of beauty, Heather Elgood provides the best synthesis and critical study of recent scholarship on the topic. In addition, this book offers critical background information for anyone interested in the social and anthropological roots of artistic creativity, as well as the rites, practices and beliefs of the hundreds of millions of Hindus in the world today. Review "A useful and easy-to-read introduction to a complex subject aimed largely at educational courses. Students and general readers will be grateful to the author for guiding them through the bewildering apparatus of Hindu religious symbols, ritual practices, sacred texts and mythological icons." "- Times Higher Education Supplement" " a very strong case for the need to study visual expressions of Hindu beliefs Elgood s work is a must for academic library collections as well as for historians of religion interested in the unique contributions visual expression can add to an understanding of Hinduism." Religion and the Arts About the Author Heather Elgood is a lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and director of the joint SOAS/Christie's Arts of Asia and Africa program.