{"product_id":"9789350022511","title":"Religion And Society","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis non-fiction academic study of religion and society gathers eight lectures delivered in 1981 as part of a memorial series at a major university. It examines how religious ideas and institutions arise to meet social needs, how they adapt across history, and how they may transform as human societies evolve toward broader equality. The book speaks to students of philosophy, sociology, religious studies, and curious readers who value careful analysis and reflective argument. The tone is thoughtful, scholarly, and hopeful about humanity’s capacity to rethink belief within changing social orders.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContent is presented as a focused, idea-driven study that blends theoretical perspectives with empirical, source-based analysis of ancient Indian religions. The work follows a clear arc from overarching theories to concrete historical materials, using a Marxist-inspired framework to trace three broad stages of human development: a pre-class condition rooted in magical thinking, the rise of class divisions, and a future, classless society. Religion is treated as a historical phenomenon that emerges when society needs it, capable of both enforcing obedience and inspiring resistance, and ultimately evolving as social structures transform. The argument emphasizes continuity and change, presenting religion as part of an ongoing process of coming into existence and passing away.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEight lectures in one volume\u003c\/strong\u003e offering a cohesive, historically grounded examination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarxist-informed framework\u003c\/strong\u003e linking pre-class conditions, class formation, and a future classless society.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical, source-based analysis\u003c\/strong\u003e of ancient Indian religious traditions within their social contexts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNuanced discussion of religion\u003c\/strong\u003e as both instrument of oppression and catalyst for revolt, with attention to its evolution over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessible, rigorous writing\u003c\/strong\u003e that invites careful reading and critical thinking for students and curious readers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroader insights into religion and society\u003c\/strong\u003e that illuminate India’s pluralistic spiritual heritage and its relevance to contemporary debates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter finishing, readers gain a nuanced understanding of how religion functions within evolving social structures, sharpening their ability to analyze belief, power, and culture. The work fosters critical thinking, historical perspective, and a deeper appreciation for how ideas adapt to changing social realities, leaving a lasting impression of clarity, curiosity, and intellectual rigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Crossword.in","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48516804772057,"sku":"9789350022511","price":356.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0648\/3066\/9017\/files\/A1ZztndHasL._SL1500_2d5a1271-9c4b-4a50-91c3-29d7d878b64e.jpg?v=1776663319","url":"https:\/\/www.crossword.in\/products\/9789350022511","provider":"Crossword.in ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}