The book is one of the earliest authoritative works on the fundamental nature of hinduism, authored by a noted western scholar, sir monier monier-williams the scholarly work deals with the fundamental aspects of the nature of its beliefs, philosophy and practice it provides precious details on the principal works of the vedas, the upanishads and the dharmashastras it discusses the essence of the vedic hymns, the brahmanas and the sacrificial system, the upanishadic philosophy, the doctrine of triple manifestations, and the development of sectarian beliefs – shaivism, vaisnavism and later shaktism the in-depth study delves objectively into the major concepts and doctrines associated with hinduism, such as, the doctrine of incarnation, doctrine of devotion and idol-worship as well as the caste system it presents a discussion on the famous places held sacred by the hindus which are the major centres of the city of benares, allahabad, gaya, nashik and haridwar, among others