Read more
SAGE Classics is a carefully selected list that every discerning reader will want to possess, re-read and enjoy for a long time. These are now priced lower than the original, but is the same version published earlier. SAGE`s commitment to quality remains unchanged.
This fascinating book constitutes a unique exploration of 2,500 years of the development of Buddhism, Brahmanism and caste in India. Taking Dr Ambedkar`s interpretation of Buddhism as its starting point, Dr Gail Omvedt has researched both the original source of the Buddhist cannon and recent literature to provide an absorbing account of the historical, social, political and philosophical aspects of Buddhism. In the process, she discusses a wide range of important issues of current concern.
Dr Omvedt maintains that the revolutionary audacity of Dalit leaders such as Dr B,R. Ambedkar, despite their often subversive reinterpretation of the Buddhist tradition, is in tune with the basic ethos of original Buddhism. Ambedkar found his own middle way by avoiding both the straitjacket of the Marxist ideological response to suppression and the tame reformist within the fold of Hinduism. Since there has always been a struggle of hegemony between competing religious systems, the author argues that given the ascendant position of Buddhism from the 4th century BC to the 6th century AD, ancient India should actually be described as 'Buddhist India' and not 'Hindu India'.
Providing an entirely new interpretation of the origins and development of the caste system, which boldly challenges the 'Hindutva' version of history, this book will attract a wide readership among all those who are concerned with the state of contemporarty India's policy and social fabric.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction: Reconstructing the World
The Background to Buddhism
The Dhamma: The Basic Teachings of Buddhism
Transitoriness and Transformations
Buddhist Civilisation
The Defeat of Buddhism in India
After Buddhism: The Bhakti Movements
Colonial Challenges, Indian Responses and Buddhist Revival
Navayana Buddhism and the Modern Age
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Dr. Gail Omvedt has been living in India since 1978, became an Indian citizen in 1983, and works as a freelance writer and development consultant. She has also worked actively with various social movements including the Dalit and anti-caste movements, farmers' movements, environmental movement and especially with rural women.
Besides having undertaken many research projects, Dr Omvedt has been a consultant for FAO, UNDP and NOVIB and has served as a Dr Ambedkar Chair Professor at NISWASS in Orissa, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Pune and an Asian Guest Professor at the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Copenhagen. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and Research Director of the Krantivir Trust.
A prolific writer, Gail Omvedt has published a large number of books including Dalit Visions (1975), Violence against Women: New Theories and New Movements in India (1991) and Dalits and Democractic Revolution (1994) besides having translated Growing up Untouchable in India: A Dalit Autobiography. She is currently engaged in translating Tukaram, considered to be the greatest Marathi writer of all time.
