Synopsis It is believed that tantricism had prevailed in pre-Vedic society, but the tantric form of worship gained popularity at a later period. The tantras appeared to lay before the common mass was easily accessible to all types of people in the society. The exponents of tantras brought into their grasp the essential ingredients of Vedic sacrifices, the monotheistic philosophy of the Upanisads, the Bhakti religion of the Puranas, the Yogic methods propounded by Patanjali and the mantra aspects of the Atharva Veda. These combined together appealed to all, particularly to those on the lower ranks of the social hierarchy. The study of "Religious Tantricism" in three volumes is a comprehensive analysis of origin and development of tantra in Indian religions and its impact on neighbouring countries. First two volumes say about Hindu tantras and third volume deals with Buddhist, Jaina, Tibetan and Chinese tantras.