Publisher's Synopsis
INTRODUCTION Swami Vivekananda was one of the important figures of modern age, especially during the pre-independence period of India (1863-1902). He was not only a Darshanikai, but also was a religious leader and practioner. He propagated novel interpretations of religion and culture within the fold of India and abroad. He proved the importance of religion and Indian culture to the world at large and gave new meaning to religious, cultural and philosophical thoughts that emerged within India. Most importantly he tried to establish a novel link between thoughts and practices, tradition and modernity, science and religion as well between eastern and western civilization. Philosophers of the west like Leo Tolstoy, William Jamesii, and Will Durant etc. were impressed by his thoughts and praised him for the work in the then prevalent Indian scenario. Indian historians like A.L. Basham, D.D. Kosambi, and R.C. Mujumdariii etc too have acknowledged his contributions in giving new perspective to religion and to promote Indian traditions and culture abroad. Like Raja Rammohun Roy and Dayanand Saraswathi Vivekananda tried to establish a theoretical platform for creating socio-cultural and religious movement.iv His thoughts have not only played an important role in awakening Indian masses to see their own glorious past but also provided inspiration to many freedom-fighters. He through the critique of Hindu religion and culture provided creative and critical insights to replace the old.
