This work investigates the historical construction of the category of religion and its application to Indian traditions through the lens of Western colonial discourse. Richard G. King, an academic specializing in religious studies and postcolonial theory, examines how the concept of the 'Mystic East' was manufactured by European scholars to serve imperial interests. By analyzing the intersection of power, knowledge, and theology, the author argues that the modern understanding of Hinduism and other Eastern traditions is inextricably linked to the colonial project of categorization and control.

Scholars in the fields of religious studies and postcolonial theory frequently cite this text as a foundational critique of Eurocentric academic methodologies. Readers often note the high level of academic density and the rigorous philosophical engagement required to fully grasp the author's arguments.