Against Dharma

February 26, 2018
In this detailed investigation, Doniger (The Hindus) explores how two ancient Indian texts—the Arthashastra (on the pursuit of power), and the Kamasutra (on the pursuit of sensual desire)—subverted the ethical and social standards of their day. The “three aims” of human well-being (dharma, artha, and kama, loosely described as religion, politics, and pleasure) were ideally kept in balance by Hindus, but Doniger maintains that, at the time the books were written

Starred review from April 1, 2018

Doniger (history of religions, Univ. of Chicago Divinity Sch.; The Hindus: An Alternative History) has made the study of Hinduism the focus of nearly 40 books examining the essence of Hindu religiosity, but always with an eye to the religion's cultural impact, both historically as well as in contemporary life. That thought is continued in this work, which explains the three human aims: dharma (cosmic order, often translated as religion), artha (politics), and kama (pleasure). But more often than not, it is dharma that takes precedence. Through a close reading of ancient texts, Doniger locates a dynamic yet subtly subversive scientific positivism, which suggests its intention to undermine the dominant social and religious order. Paradoxically, the author concludes that the modern-day Indian government finds itself defined as a theocratic institution that undermines scientific inquiry through religious dogmatism. VERDICT This book is fascinating in its command of Indian politics and religion, especially as represented in historical texts; it presumes a certain foreknowledge of Hinduism in order to be fully appreciated. For Doniger fans, another keeper.--Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.