Understanding Hinduism today requires an understanding of how it is practised in the contemporary world. Stephen Jacob's new introduction tackles these central issues, beginning with case studies of the grassroots practice of Hinduism in India and in diaspora communities.

He covers issues of singular importance in the modern study of Hinduism, including the importance and role of mass media to this essentially orally transmitted religion. Other major areas covered include the concept of Hindu dharma, particularly in relation to caste, gender and Hindu nationalism, key and often controversial concepts in Hinduism.

Acknowledgements \ Introduction \ 1. Hinduism: The Basics \ 2. Hinduism in India \ 3. Hindu Dharma in the Contemporary World: Gender, Caste and Political Hinduism. \ 4. Hinduism in a Global Mass Mediated Context \ 5. Hinduism in Diaspora \ 6. The Future \ Bibliography \ Index