Hinduism provides an invaluable introduction to its schools of thought and the very different ways in which it is practised and interpreted.

K. M. Sen discusses the evolution of Hinduism's central systems of belief and codes of conduct, as well as popular cults and sects such as Bhakti, Tantrika and the mystics of North India, and describes the varying incarnations of its supreme deity, Krishna and Rama among them. He recounts its history from the Indus Valley civilization c.2500 BC and the Vedic age nature gods to its relationship with Buddhism and Jainism and the impact of western culture. And he describes the day-to-day practice of Hinduism - customs, festivals and rituals; the caste system; and its philosophies and exponents. In a new foreword, the author's grandson Professor Amartya Sen brings his work right up to date, examining the role of Hinduism in the world today.