Abstract
Most of the books reviewed in this article deal with Indian philosophy, mythology, or the Vedas, but other recent publications are discussed. The author provides a general assessment of the present state of the art in classical Indology. In spite of the venerable antiquity of the subject, not all pertinent studies are esoteric or dull. There have been new and unexpected discoveries along with solid and original contributions that have wide-ranging implications. Many views that are commonly held are now seen to derive from misconceptions and to stand in need of revision. Topics treated are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Tantrism, and Shamanism; contacts between India and Central Asia, and the Indianization of Asia; Soma and karma; ritual, epic, psychology, sex, and grammar.