A View of the History, Literature, and Religion of the Hindoos
Including a Minute Description of their Manners and Customs, and Translations from their Principal Works

Volume 3 of this influential early nineteenth-century British work on Hinduism focuses on social and religious anthropology.

William Ward (Author)

9781108008235, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 October 2010

440 pages
21.6 x 2.5 x 14 cm, 0.56 kg

William Ward's account of the Hindu communities among whom he served as a Baptist missionary in Serampore in West Bengal was first published in 1811 and reprinted in this third edition in 1817. It was an extremely influential work that shaped British views of the newly defined entity of 'Hinduism' in the early nineteenth century. Ward and his fellow missionaries promoted social reforms and education, establishing the Serampore Mission Press in 1800 and Serampore College in 1818. Ward devoted twenty years to compiling his study of Hindu literature, history, mythology and religion, which was eventually published in four volumes. It provided richly detailed information, and was regarded as authoritative for the next fifty years. It is therefore still an important source for researchers in areas including Indian history, British colonialism, Orientalism and religious studies. Volume 3 focuses on the social history of India, the caste system, and birth rituals.

Preface
Introductory remarks
1. History
2. The hindoo account of the castes
3. Ceremonies practised at the birth of children
4. Glossary.

Subject Areas: Buddhism [HRE]