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How long does it take to read An Introduction to Hinduism?

Gavin D. Flood

An Introduction to Hinduism by Gavin D. Flood takes about 6 hours 15 minutes to read at 250 words a minute.

About 6 hours 15 minutes

A weekend read

First published 1996. 341 pages, about 93,775 words.

13 days at 30 minutes a day

Estimate based on 275 words per page.

At other speeds

Slow, 150 words a minute 10 hours 25 minutes
Average, 250 words a minute 6 hours 15 minutes
Fast, 400 words a minute 3 hours 54 minutes

The page count is the median across 4 editions, so your copy may differ. How we calculate.

About the book

This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Beginning with the question 'What is Hinduism?', Dr Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from their ancient origins, through the major deities of Visnu, Siva and the Goddess, to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism is discussed. Particular emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, which is more fundamental to the life of the religion than are specific beliefs or doctrines; and to Dravidian influences from south India. An introduction to Hinduism examines the ideas of dharma, particularly in relation to the ideology of kingship, caste and world renunciation. Dr Flood also introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship about the nature of Hinduism. His book is suitable both for the beginning student and for the general reader, and as such will be an ideal starting point, and an indispensable companion, for anybody interested in learning more about a religious tradition of major and continuing significance.

Subjects: Hinduism, Hindouisme, Hinduism, history

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