Religions of Early India

“A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year”“A sublime and first-rate examination of India’s lengthy religious history.” * Library Journal *”[A] coherent, reader-friendly exposition that follows neatly the development of Indian culture from c.1300 BCE to 700 CE… . Davis’s elegant exposition of the realities of ancient India offers marvels as arresting as the gold-digging ants of Herodotus… . Davis’s account is based on a good balance of textual evidence, epigraphy and architectural and iconographic considerations. The last two are brought to life by a well-chosen set of illustrations.”—Jan Westerhoff, Times Literary Supplement“Davis is a good storyteller… . [and] has written a rich and accessible introduction to a fascinating field of studies… . [H]e makes the past visibly present by his clear introductions to the location and setting of the various sites he has visited, whether it be the Garuḍa pillar of Heliodorus, the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, the Śiva cave temple complex at Elephanta, or the rock-shelter paintings of Bhimbetka, which brings us to the very start of the story.”—Peter C. Bisschop, Indo-Iranian Journal“Religions of Early India is a magisterial work… . [It] is an engaging, accessible, and informative book that will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the early religious and cultural history of India… . Essential.” * Choice *

Richard H. Davis is research professor in the interdisciplinary study of religion program at Bard College. He previously taught at Yale University. He is the author of The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography, Lives of Indian Images, and other books.