Hinduism, a religious tradition of Indian origin, comprising the beliefs and practices of the Hindus. Some have compared Hinduism's indifference to the history of a religious idea or practice to a scientist's indifference to the history of science. What is of value to both is the idea or practice as such. This difficulty arises from Hinduism's universal world-view and its willingness to accept and celebrate diverse philosophies, deities, symbols, and practices. A religion that emphasises similarities and shared characteristics rather than differences has a difficult time setting itself apart-unless this very quality is considered its defining feature. This encyclopaedia consisting of ten volumes discusses in detail about all the aspects of Hinduism and Hindu World.

By Ganga Ram Garg