Hinduism is a much contested term used to describe the religious beliefs and practices of more than 800 million people, most of whom live in India. Yet it is a religion which lacks a set of core beliefs—there is no founder, no single scripture, nor any central organization. The sheer diversity of beliefs and practices that vary across social groups and regions has led some to claim that the term "Hindu" is almost meaningless. This book argues, however, that there are central threads in this diversity which can be traced through more than 3,000 years. The book’s examination of Hinduism in the 20st century discusses the rise of "Hindutva" or Hindu-nationalism in India and examines beliefs and practices in the Hindu diaspora. The book also examines the depictions in the media of Hindu beliefs and practices and looks at the significance of media in connecting the Hindu diaspora to India.

Hinduism is a much contested term used to describe the religious beliefs and practices of more than 800 million people, most of whom live in India. Yet it is a religion which lacks a set of core beliefs—there is no founder, no single scripture, nor any central organization. The sheer diversity of beliefs and practices that vary across social groups and regions has led some to claim that the term "Hindu" is almost meaningless. This book argues, however, that there are central threads in this diversity which can be traced through more than 3,000 years. The book’s examination of Hinduism in the 20st century discusses the rise of "Hindutva" or Hindu-nationalism in India and examines beliefs and practices in the Hindu diaspora. The book also examines the depictions in the media of Hindu beliefs and practices and looks at the significance of media in connecting the Hindu diaspora to India.