Publisher Description

First published in 1875, this book reflects a growing nineteenth-century British interest in South Asian culture and literature. In it Monier Williams, the Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford, outlines the patterns of thought and customs of the Hindu religion. He also describes the character and content of Sanskrit literature, which had not previously been attempted in English. According to Williams, Sanskrit literature holds the key to a full understanding of Hinduism. He makes it unequivocally clear that Britain's colonial hold over India involves a particular responsibility and indeed opportunity to study the three religions confronting Christianity there, namely Brahmanism, Buddhism and Islam. Monier Williams writes about the Vedas (the sacred texts of Hinduism), the different traditions of philosophy and the five schools of Hindu law. He elaborates on the epic poems and the doctrine of incarnation embedded in them, and compares this ancient poetry with that of Homer.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The hymns of the Veda; 2. The Brahmana portion of the Veda; 3. The systems of philosophy; 4. The Nyaya system of philosophy; 5. The Sankhya system of philosophy; 6. The Mimansa system of philosophy; 7. Irregular systems and eclectic school; 8. Smriti: The Vedangas; 9. Smarta-sutra; 10. The law-books; 11. Metrical version of some of Manu's moral and religious precepts; 12. The epic poems; 13. The Maha-bharata; 14. The epic poems compared together and with Homer; 14. The artificial poems.

Promotional "Headline"

A pioneering Victorian overview of Hindu philosophy and law, and Sanskrit Vedic and epic literature.

Description for Bookstore

Indian Wisdom, first published in 1875, reflects the growing interest of Victorian Britain in South Asian culture and literature. Monier Williams, Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford, describes Hindu philosophy, customs and law. He also outlines the character and content of Sanskrit literature, which he compares with the poetry of Homer.

Description for Library

Indian Wisdom, first published in 1875, reflects the growing interest of Victorian Britain in South Asian culture and literature. Monier Williams, Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford, describes Hindu philosophy, customs and law. He also outlines the character and content of Sanskrit literature, which he compares with the poetry of Homer.

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