Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims

In this detailed, well-written study, Gold not only examines the institution of pilgrimage in India, but she also focuses on the experiences of people involved in it. Pilgrims from a Hindu village clearly express their views-- discussing lives, homes, personal values, and ways of worship. Gold explores the theme of death and its connection with pilgrimage. She also treats women's roles in popular Hinduism's rituals and stories. Ethnographically sound, Fruitful Journeys provides a superb example of humanistic reflection on the role of the fieldworker, suitable for readers of all backgrounds interested in the anthropology and religion of India.