Culture and Customs of India - (Culture and Customs of Asia) by Carol E Henderson (Hardcover)

About the Book

India and the Indian ways of life in the new century are freshly and comprehensively overviewed in this volume. This one-stop resource enables students and other interested readers to begin to understand the vast country with its population of one billion people, representing hundreds of social groups with more than 100 languages spoken. Henderson provides expert insight into a cross-section of society. The caste system, Hinduism, the sari, women's roles, and a dazzling array of festivals are just some of the facets of the culture and customs explained.

Although the volume primarily focuses on contemporary India, Henderson's knowledgeable narrative incorporates the progression of culture from the earliest civilization to the nuclear weapons debate. There is no other general, in-depth, up-to-date reference that provides the coverage on the land, people, and history; religion; world view; art and literature; landscape and architecture; food and dress; women, marriage, and family; festivals and leisure activities; music and dance; and social customs and lifestyles. Numerous photos, a chronology, and glossary complement the narrative.

Book Synopsis

India and the Indian ways of life in the new century are freshly and comprehensively overviewed in this volume. This one-stop resource enables students and other interested readers to begin to understand the vast country with its population of one billion people, representing hundreds of social groups with more than 100 languages spoken. Henderson provides expert insight into a cross-section of society. The caste system, Hinduism, the sari, women's roles, and a dazzling array of festivals are just some of the facets of the culture and customs explained.

Although the volume primarily focuses on contemporary India, Henderson's knowledgeable narrative incorporates the progression of culture from the earliest civilization to the nuclear weapons debate. There is no other general, in-depth, up-to-date reference that provides the coverage on the land, people, and history; religion; world view; art and literature; landscape and architecture; food and dress; women, marriage, and family; festivals and leisure activities; music and dance; and social customs and lifestyles. Numerous photos, a chronology, and glossary complement the narrative.

Review Quotes

.,."impart much information on a wide range of cultural topics, offering readers jumping-off points for further research."-Multicultural Review

?...impart much information on a wide range of cultural topics, offering readers jumping-off points for further research.?-Multicultural Review

?[m]ust-have for school, public, and even undergraduate academic library shelves....Henderson does and exceptional job of describing Indian customs and culture and, through subtle comparing and contrasting, making it relate to the Western way of life.?-Against the Grain

?Useful...in world history classes.?- Gale-Reference Reviews

?Useful...in world history classes.?-Gale-Reference Reviews

?Useful...in world history classes.??Gale-Reference Reviews

"Ým¨ust-have for school, public, and even undergraduate academic library shelves....Henderson does and exceptional job of describing Indian customs and culture and, through subtle comparing and contrasting, making it relate to the Western way of life."-Against the Grain

..."impart much information on a wide range of cultural topics, offering readers jumping-off points for further research."-Multicultural Review

"Useful...in world history classes."-Gale-Reference Reviews

"[m]ust-have for school, public, and even undergraduate academic library shelves....Henderson does and exceptional job of describing Indian customs and culture and, through subtle comparing and contrasting, making it relate to the Western way of life."-Against the Grain

About the Author

CAROL E. HENDERSON is Research Associate and Visiting Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey.