From a predominantly Western perspective, the concepts of Indian mythology and religion may come across as largely one-dimensional, conjuring vague notions of Hinduism and little else. However, drawing on elements of history, philosophy, religion, and literature, the author of this book presents Indian schools of thought and contributions to linguistics and philosophy as far more complex and in a way that doesn’t require years of study. As part of a larger series on knowledge cultivated and spread long ago, the focus is not to proclaim one history or way of thinking as superior but to highlight the various ways in which these ideas were shaped, adopted, or intertwined. Making predominant use of the ancient Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and other ancient Indian texts, this book shines a fascinating light on the intellectual and spiritual identity of one of the world’s largest countries and cultures.

The use of poetry, photography, and the trials and conquests of the Indian subcontinent all work together to give the reader a clear idea of who these people were and what influenced their thinking. History allows a fairly straight line to be drawn from the shared written tradition of India to its various prevailing schools of thought and spirituality, like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. There is plenty of insight to be found here for the curious and the familiar alike from just the summaries of classic epic stories and those who might have written or at least recorded them alone. This book provides a fascinating look at an ancient culture that has survived and thrived, whose traditions are as alive today as the Greek or Roman thinkers that readers in many parts of the world may be more familiar with. After reading Burton’s book, it’s much easier to know how crucial yet similar a role in shaping human cultural history India plays.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home