Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names

by Lavanya Vemsani

Overview

Krishna is a central figure in Hinduism, a religion that has been a fundamental force for thousands of years. This accessible encyclopedia covers texts, practices, scholarship, and arts related to Krishna from the earliest known sources on.

As Eastern religions and related practices such as yoga become increasingly popular, there is a need for resources that explain where these practices come from and what they mean. This is one of those works. Krishna is central to Hindu philosophy, theology, art, architecture, and literature, and an understanding of Krishna will give students greater understanding of the role of Hinduism around the world. Yet this isn't just a book on religion. The encyclopedia also provides insights into Indian and world history and into contemporary concerns, fostering respect for religious and cultural diversity.

Entries on a wide range of subjects related to Krishna cover India and other places where major Krishna religious centers and temples are established worldwide. Articles draw from classical Indian sources dating back as far as 1300 BCE and from folk and worldwide literature, including mythology from Jainism and Buddhism. The book's alphabetical organization, cross references in each entry that highlight related entries and further readings, and topical and thematic lists will facilitate in-depth research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610692106
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/13/2016
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Lavanya Vemsani is professor of history at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH.

Editorial Reviews

This work has multiple uses in a large public or college library.” —Booklist

“[A] worthy effort that fills a unique niche. Summing Up: Recommended.” —Choice

From the Publisher

10/01/2016
The terminology, philosophy, and major characters of Hinduism may be unfamiliar to some readers. Vemsani (history, Shawnee State Univ., Portsmith, OH; editor, International Journal of Dharma and Hindu Studies) aims to "[bring] disparate information on Krishna together in an easy-to-read, accessible form to anyone interested in learning about Krishna in particular and Hinduism in general." This encyclopedia focuses on as many aspects as possible of the phenomenon of Krishna: first as a figure of history, then as the object of thought, devotion, and fables throughout the Indian subcontinent and the world. Other major people and philosophies are profiled in concert with their relationship with Krishna. For instance, one fascinating entry describes the interaction between Islam and Krishna, including several syncretic offshoots of the two religious traditions. A major help is the basic glossary in the back. Overall, the entries are clear, succinct, and readable. Other useful features are an alphabetical and topical list of items, a general bibliography, entry-specific bibliographies, and numerous cross-references. Other titles give a complete picture of Hinduism, but this volume would bring further depth and detail as a secondary resource. Many reference books focus strictly on the formal aspects of Hinduism, but this selection includes folk literature and beliefs. VERDICT This work will primarily appeal to undergraduate and graduate students studying religion, as well as to general readers interested in Indian history, religion, and culture. Suitable for academic and large public libraries.—Ray Arnett, Fremont Area Dist. Lib., MISciences

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