Comment on the representation of Hinduism in A Passage to India.

On many levels, Forster's depiction of Hinduism and its values
are to be seen through the prism of vast difference that its Western counterparts.  This is seen
in how Forster depicts Professor Godbole.  Through this character, Hinduism is seen as
"accepting" and a type of religious structure where there is total openness and one whose
structure is vastly different than its Western contemporary.  The idea of the sound emanating
from the caves, "BOUM," helps to accent this.  Such a depiction of Hinduism was unique for its
time, in that the book did not show the religion to be something of a savage and indigenous
nature.  Yet, its depiction might have actually contributed to its classification of a religion
where "anything goes."  This certainly might not have been the intent of Forster in doing so, but
his depiction, especially when seen in stark contrast to religions of the West, represents one
where individuals come to understand Hinduism as nothing more than a set of values where
"everything is accepted."  This overall, and limited view of acceptance, is combined with a
depiction that Hinduism is mystical and beyond the reach of the individual, as seen again with
Godbole.  While this might be true, it contributes to the idea that Hinduism is perceived to be a
value system where there is little in way of tradition and dictum.