Most overviews of Hindu belief and practice follow a history from the ancient Vedas to today. Such approaches privilege Brahmanical traditions and create a sense of Hinduism as a homogenous system and culture, and one which is largely unchanging and based solely on sacred texts. In reality, modern Hindu faith and culture present an extraordinary range of dynamic beliefs and practices. "Contemporary Hinduism" aims to capture the full breadth of the Hindu worldview as practised today, both in the sub-continent and the diaspora. Global and regional faith, ritualised and everyday practice, Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical belief, and ascetic and devotional traditions are all discussed. Throughout, the discussion is illustrated with detailed case material and images, whilst key terms are highlighted and explained in a glossary. "Contemporary Hinduism" presents students with a lively and engaging survey of Hinduism, offering an introduction to the oldest and one of the most complex of world religions.

Most overviews of Hindu belief and practice follow a history from the ancient Vedas to today. Such approaches privilege Brahmanical traditions and create a sense of Hinduism as a homogenous system and culture, and one which is largely unchanging and based solely on sacred texts. In reality, modern Hindu faith and culture present an extraordinary range of dynamic beliefs and practices. 'Contemporary Hinduism' aims to capture the full breadth of the Hindu worldview as practised today, both in the sub-continent and the diaspora. Global and regional faith, ritualised and everyday practice, Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical belief, and ascetic and devotional traditions are all discussed. Throughout, the discussion is illustrated with detailed case material and images, whilst key terms are highlighted and explained in a glossary. 'Contemporary Hinduism' presents students with a lively and engaging survey of Hinduism, offering an introduction to the oldest and one of the most complex of world religions.

The Hindu Goddess Laksmi is the consort of the great God Vishnu. This book looks at the relationship between Laskmi and Vishnu in South Indian tradition. In some other sub-traditions, P. Pratap Kumar shows, the Goddess is seen as a mediator between devotees and God. Others put her on a par with her male counterpart. In yet other traditions she is worshiped as an independent deity in her own right. South Indian Vaisnavism views the Goddess in all of these ways, with the result that theological debates have flourished. Clarifying these debates and the assumptions behind them, Kumar contributes not only to our understanding of this particular tradition, but also to an understanding of gender issues in the study of religion.

This new edition has been fully revised to provide undergraduate students with the most up to date information in the field of gynaecology. Divided into 42 chapters, the text follows a life cycle approach, beginning with discussion on the embryology and development of the female genital tract, through puberty, ovulation and menstruation, to menopause. The book covers the diagnosis and management of numerous gynaecological disorders, from abnormal bleeding, subfertility and endometriosis, to pelvic organ prolapse, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancer. Each chapter begins with an overview highlighting the topic. The third edition includes new chapters on genital tuberculosis, uterine displacements, and endoscopy as well as more than 450 clinical images and tables. The book is edited by an internationally recognised team of experts from London and South Asia. Key Points Fully revised, new edition providing undergraduates with latest information in the field Third edition includes new chapters on genital tuberculosis, uterine displacements, and endoscopy Edited by internationally recognised team from London and South Asia Previous edition (9788184489101) published in 2010

This book provides undergraduate students with the most up to date information in the field of obstetrics. This third edition has been fully revised and provides step by step guidance on evaluation, diagnosis and management of many obstetric disorders. Divided into two sections, the first part provides an overview of female pelvic and reproductive anatomy, and the very early stages of pregnancy, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. The following chapters discuss disorders and emergencies associated with pregnancy and labour, and their management. The new edition of this highly illustrated manual includes new chapters on the pelvis and foetal skull, contracted pelvis, and cephalopelvic disproportion. Key Points Fully revised, new edition providing latest information in field of obstetrics Covers numerous disorders and emergencies associated with pregnancy and labour Third edition includes new chapters on the pelvis Previous edition (9788184489095) published in 2010