The Hindu World is the most complete, authoritative and up-to-date one-volume guide to Hindu faith and culture available today. Written by the world's leading scholars on Hinduism, its twenty-four chapters explore the history, philosophy and practice of one of the world's great religious traditions. The Hindu World offers new insights into all aspects of Hindu life, ranging from the devotional texts of the Vedas and Ramayana to current perspectives on dharma and kama, temple architecture, sacred food, ritual, caste, cosmic philosophy, history and modernization. This is an ideal reference for students and scholars of Hinduism.