Introduction to Major Religious Traditions in India

Course Code: BRS01

Introduction to Major Religious Traditions in India

BD I, Semester I & II, 4 Credit Hours, Senate Paper

Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to the history, beliefs, and practices of the different religious traditions in India.
2. To help students discern the positive role that could be played by religious communities in the context of problems and challenges in the country.
3. To enable students to responsibly and effectively relate to people of other faiths.

Methodology

1. Using insights from the various approaches to the study of religion.
2. The different sections of the course would include critical reflections from the perspectives of women, Dalits, Tribals, Adivasi, and the marginalized.
3. Students would be expected to visit places of worship and other religious institutions in the vicinity.

Course Requirement

• Final Examination: 100%

Course Outline

Unit I: General Introduction

• 1. Introduction
  2. Methodology:
     • Archeological, linguistic method
     • Historical, comparative and phenomenological method
     • Anthropological and sociological method
     • Psychological method
     • Philosophical method
     • Theological and dialogical method

Unit II: Primal and Dalit Religious Traditions

• 1. Discussion on terms of primal religion
  2. The Dalits and their history: discussion of terms such as ‘depressed classes’, ‘Harijans’ and ‘Dalits’. Historical factors leading to the marginalization of groups in society.
  3. Main features of primal and dalit religions
  4. Religious functionaries – Priests, storytellers, singers, narrators, sacrifice, drum beater/player, ritual performer, dreamer, witchcraft, magician.
  5. Beliefs and practices of primal and dalit people
  6. Influences of Sanskritization/Brahmanization, Modernization, Christian missions, and Government policies and programmes on religion and society of primal and Dalit people.
  7. Appraisal: the significance of primal and dalit religions in contemporary society.

Unit III: Hinduism

• 1. A Brief Historical Survey [The Vedic Period (2000-600 B.C.E.); The Period of Reaction (600 B.C.E.- 300 A.D.); The Philosophical-Pauranic-Early Bhakti Period (300-1200 A.D.); The Bhakti Movements Period (1200-1800); The Modern Period (1800-1991); The Contemporary Period]
  2. Sacred Literature [The Vedic Period (Mantras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads); The Period of Reaction (Sutras, Itihasas, Bhagavadgita); The Philosophical-Pauranic-Early Bhakti Period (the Suddarsana writings, the Puranas, Poems of early Bhaktas in South India, Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta Texts); The Bhakti Movements Period (Writings of Bhakti saints)]
  3. Main Teachings [God as nirguna and saguna; understanding of the world; the individual in relation to God and the world; Karma and Punarjanma; varnasrama dharma and the caste system; the four purusarthas (kama, artha, dharma, moksha), the ways to attain moksha/mukti; the concept of avatara]
  4. Important Practices [Samskaras; Rituals and Worship at home and in temples; Festivals; Pilgrimages]
  5. Appraisal: Hinduism as a heterogeneous all-absorbing religion. Caste as the essential feature of Hinduism. What are the liberation and/or edifying features of Hinduism?

Unit IV: Buddhism

• 1. Historical Survey: Social, political and religious context of emerging Buddhism; Life and work of Gautama Buddha; Early divisions: Northern and Southern Buddhism, Asoka and Kanishka; Expansion and development of Buddhism in India and beyond; Decline of Buddhism; Revival of Buddhism: Anagarika Dharmapala, B.R. Ambedkar
  2. Buddhist Scriptures: The Pali Canon (Tripitaka); Introduction to Mahayana literature
  3. Main Teachings of Early Buddhism: Three marks of existence: anicca, anatta and dukha; The four noble truths and the eightfold path; Theory of dependent origination; Doctrine of karma and rebirth; Concept of nibbana; Basic ideas of Mahayana Buddhism: Bodhisattva ideal, mythology
  4. Important Practices: The Sangha: beginnings, discipline for bhikkhu and bhikkhuni, social function; importance of the laity; common lay Buddhist practices: punyakarma, caritrakarma, santhikarma
  5. Appraisal: The significance of Buddhist teaching in the context of casteism, patriarchy, and the development debate; its position regarding the politicization of religion.

Unit V: Jainism

• 1. A Brief Historical Survey (Socio-political-religio situation in India during the 7th and 6th Centuries B.C.E.; Life and Work of Vardhamana Mahavira; history of Jainism after Mahavira; the divisions – Digambara and Svetambara; Rise of Sthanakvasis in the 15th Century; Jainism in North and South India)
  2. The Jaina Scriptures (Digambara and Svetambara)
  3. Main Teachings (The 24 Tirthankaras; Tattvas: Jiva and Ajiva (Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasa, Kala), Asrava, Bandha, Punya, Papa, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksa; Ethical Code (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, Brahmacarya); Anekantavada and Syadavada; The Tri-ratnas; Discipline for Monks)
  4. Important Practices (Worship and Temple Rituals; Holy Days and Festivals; Pilgrimages to Holy Places; Samskaras; Fasting and Sallekhana)
  5. Appraisal: The significance of Jaina ethics in contemporary society. The relevance of Anekantavada and Syadavada in the context of religious plurality and the related problems of religious fundamentalism and communalism.

Unit VI: Islam

• 1. A Brief Historical Survey: Arabian context in Muhammad’s time; life and work of Muhammad; the first four Khalifas; the subsequent expansion of Islam; the division between Sunnis and Shias; Islam in India from the 10th to the 15th centuries; Islam under the Moghul Rulers; Islam under Tipu Sultan; Islam during the Indian Renaissance; Muslims in Independent India
  2. The Four Foundations: Quran, Sunna or Hadith, Ijma, and Qiyas
  3. The Five Pillars of Islam: confession of faith (Tashahhud), five daily prayers (Salat), fasting (Saum), alms giving or poor tax (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj). Muslim High Days (Bakr-Id, Idul-Fitr, Bara Wafat, Akhir-I-Chahar Shamba, Shab-I-Barat, and Muharram)
  4. The Six Articles of Faith: Belief in God, Angels, Scriptures, Prophets, Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and Predestination
  5. Muslim Festivals: Bakr-Id, Idul-Fitr, Bara Wafat, Akhir-I-Chahar Shamba, Shab-I-Barat, and Muharram
  6. Sufism: A Brief History and characteristics; the Sufi Orders in India. Dargah worship.
  7. The impact of Islam on Indian history, culture, and society, in appraisal.

Unit VII: Sikhism

• 1. A brief historical survey: from the times of Kabir and Nanak – around mid 15 CE to the annexation of Punjab to the British Empire in the 19 CE.
  2. The cardinal gurus, from Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh and their contributions, martyrdom.
  3. Guru Granth Sahib: its compilation and use in Sikh worship and ordinary living.
  4. Main teachings: God, human being, liberation through the grace of the guru and life in repeating the name of God, i.e. Satnam.
  5. Religious practices: worship in the Gurudwara, name-giving ceremony, initiation, marriage, funeral, Baisakhi festival and Hola Mohalla, five symbolic wearings (5 Ks: kesh-hair uncut, kirpan-spear or sword, kara-bangle, kangha-wooden comb, kachhera-shorts).
  6. The Sikh contribution to harmony, dignity, and self-protection, an appraisal.

Unit VIII: Zoroastrian Religious Tradition

• 1. A Brief Historical Survey: life, work and teachings of Zoroaster; the Sassanid Dynasty; rise of Islam and the migration of Zoroastrians; migration of Zoroastrians and the rise of the Parsis in India, mainly based in Mumbai.
  2. Zoroastrian Scriptures: the Avesta and other texts.
  3. Main Teachings: God as Ahura Mazda, creation, the bounteous immortals (Amesha Spentas); the destructive principle (Angra Mainyu), the law of the universe (Asha), and violations of the order (Druj), human life and responsibility (Daena or Din), and Eschatology.
  4. Worship and Practices: symbolic importance of Water and Fire; rituals related to birth, marriage and death; major festivals. Community representation and renewal.
  5. The significance of Zoroastrianism in the context of religious pluralism and poverty alleviation in society.

Unit IX: Conclusion

• 1. The significance of religions in the life of Indian society.
  2. Developing a positive attitude towards people of other faiths.

Bibliography

Required Subject Reading

• Brown, David A. A Guide to Religions. Delhi: ISPCK, 1996.
• Daniel, P.S., D. Scott and G.R. Singh, eds. Religious Traditions of India. Delhi: ISPCK, 2001.
• Hinnels, John R., ed. A Handbook of Living Religions. London: Penguin Books, 1991.
• Lalrinawma, V.S. Major Faith Traditions of India. Delhi: ISPCK, 2007.
• Smart, Ninian. The World’s Religions: Old Traditions and Modern Transformations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Required Perspectival Reading

• Araiarajah, S. Wesley. The Bible and People of Other Faiths. Geneva: WCC, 1985.
• Massey, J. Roots – A Concise History of the Dalits. Delhi: ISPCK, 1991.
• Sharma, Arvind, ed. Women in World Religions. New York: SUNY Press, 1987.
• Srinivas, M.N. The Cohesive Role of Sanskritization and Other Essays. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Supplementary Reading

• Aleaz, K.P. Dimensions Of Indian Religion: Study, Experience, and Interaction. Calcutta: Punthi Pustak, 1995.
• Barbour, Ian G. Religion in an Age of Science. London: SCM Press, 1997.
• Barbour, Ian G. Nature, Human Nature and God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002.
• Booker, John, ed. The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991.
• Chaudhuri, B., ed. Religion, Rituals, and Festivals. New Delhi: Inter India Publications, 1992.
• Desai, Neera. Women and Society in India. Delhi: Ajanta Pub., 1987.
• Eliade, Mircea, ed. Encyclopedia of Religion. New York: Macmillan, 1984.
• Hastings, James, ed. Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1981.
• Hopfe, Lewis M. & Woodward, Mark R., eds. Religions of the World. New York: Prentice Hall, 2003.
• Knitter, Paul F. One Earth Many Religions: Multi-Faith Dialogue and Global Responsibility. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1995.
• Lalrinawma, V.S. Major Faith Traditions of India. Delhi: ISPCK, 2007.
• Macnicol, Nicol. The Living Religions of the Indian People. London: SCM, 1993.
• McMullen, C. Rituals and Sacraments in Indian Religions. Delhi: ISPCK, 1979.
• Melton, J. Gordon & Baumann, Martin, eds. Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices. Oxford: ABC-CLIO, 2002.
• Moanungsang, and Samuel Longkumer. A Reader in Primal Religious Traditions and Their Select Movements in India. ESPACE: Kolkata, 2012.
• Nehring, Andreas, ed. Fundamentalism and Secularism: The Indian Predicament. Madras: Gurukul, 1994.
• Pasayat, C. Tribe, Caste and Folk Culture. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 1998.
• Raj, M.J. Dalitology: The Book of the Dalit People. Tumkur: Ambedkar Resource Centre, 2001.
• Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions. San Francisco: Harper, 1992.
• Tirkey, Christopher Augustus Bixel. Major Religions of India. New Delhi: ISPCK, 2003.
• Vahlaltlani, T. Tribal Religion: Mizo and Bru. Aizawl: Mizo Theological Association, 2009.

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