European Encounter with Hinduism in India

By Henry Jansen

Book Description

In The European Encounter with Hinduism, Jan Peter Schouten traces a fascinating journey of cross-cultural discovery that spans centuries of spiritual exploration. Beginning in the thirteenth century, European traders and missionaries ventured into India, where they encountered the rich and complex world of Hindu religious traditions. These early travelers documented their experiences in detailed reports that reveal a gradual awakening to the depth and sophistication of Hindu spiritual practices.

Schouten examines how these European visitors initially struggled to understand Hindu beliefs and customs, yet slowly developed more nuanced perspectives on this ancient religious tradition. The author reveals that missionaries, rather than colonial administrators as commonly believed, played the most significant role in systematically studying and documenting Hindu religious life. Through their dedicated efforts to understand local languages and cultural practices, these religious figures created detailed maps of Hindu spiritual landscapes.

This scholarly work offers readers insight into how intercultural religious dialogue evolved over time. For those interested in understanding how different spiritual traditions have influenced each other throughout history, Schouten's research illuminates the complex process of religious encounter and mutual discovery. The book demonstrates how sustained contact between Christianity and Hinduism shaped European understanding of Eastern spirituality, providing valuable lessons for contemporary interfaith dialogue and spiritual exploration.